Before I change into my wedding dress, I’ll hide my necklace in my nightstand. I try not to take it off usually, but it will stand out too much today. Damien and Gabrielle both recognized that it’s from Lochmatten. I don’t need to raise any questions.
A knock sounded on her door. Odette stumbled into a curtsy at the sight of King Tristan.
“May I have a moment with my daughter, please?” he requested.
Odette scurried out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Evelyn stood. “Father?”
Tears gathered in the corners of his eyes. “I’m sorry I haven’t been a good parent to you this week.”
Evelyn couldn’t keep her voice steady as she finally asked the question that had plagued her for days. “Why didn’t you want me to get married?”
“That… is a very long story. One we don’t have time for today.”
“How can it be that complicated? I don’t?—”
“I made a mistake, Evelyn,” her father said firmly. “A lot of mistakes, really. I can’t explain my reasons right now, but I need you to know thatyoudidn’t do anything wrong. I know you love Alexander. I shouldn’t have interfered.”
She fidgeted with her dress. “Are you even happy for me?”
“Of course I am, sweetheart. You are marrying the love of your life today. So few people have the chance to experience that. And you’ll be a queen!”
“You told everyone Ishouldn’tbe a queen.”
Regret marred the king’s face. “I never planned for you to rise so high. I expected you would marry a lord’s son and be happier with minimal time at court. I thought you hated being a princess.”
“I love Leo more than I hate making polite conversation.”
King Tristan let out a short laugh and hugged her. “I’m proud of you, Evelyn. You will be an exceptional queen.”
She swallowed a sob. “I’ll try.”
He let go of his daughter and smiled. “You look so much like your mother.”
“Well, now I know you’re going mad,” Evelyn teased. “Hannahlooks like Mother, not me.”
He ignored her comment. “I should let you finish getting ready. You can’t be late for your own wedding.”
“I don’t think it can start without me.”
“Gods help this kingdom.” The king sighed with amusement. “They don’t know what it means to have Fire on the throne.”
Evelyn returned to Gabrielle’s studio for her final transformation. The strapless gown hugged the curves of her bust and hips before the skirt flared out. Fabric that appeared white at first glance was opalescent with movement, shimmering shades of blue, pink, and gold. Lightweight ruffles flowed from mid-thigh to the floor, reminiscent of the mist that gathered at the base of a waterfall.
Evelyn was the fleeting reflection of a rainbow on a crashing ocean wave.
Gabrielle seemed to forget her anger as she watched Evelyn twirl in the magical dress. Her assistants twittered with excitement at the edge of the room. Odette was pretending not to cry.
“Thank you!” Evelyn told Gabrielle sincerely.
“If you damage this gown, I will cut off all that pretty hair of yours while you sleep,” Gabrielle threatened, but her tone didn’t hold any venom.
Damien yelled from the hallway. “We’ve got places to be, Evelyn! Just put the dress on!”
Gabrielle threw her hands up and raved about men not understanding anything. She and her assistants filed into a back room, their task complete.
“Do you want me to let him in?” Odette asked.
