Page 37 of Bride By Coronation

Colette claps her hands, practically singing, "It's such an exquisite couture piece! The entire dress is hand-embroidered with sequin crystal beading and elegant pearls. The bird holds the corset together, and did you know that doves represent love?"

Love.

Not in the cards for me.

"Feel the luxurious lace! It's so soft," she continues.

I trail my fingers down the skirt, unable to refute her claim. I confess, "I thought lace was itchy."

She smiles. "Not the most elegant kind!" She steps next to me and pulls it off the rack, then takes it to the wall and hangs it on the hook. "Can you see Fiona in it?"

I study the dress, unable to imagine anyone but her in it.

Colette gushes, "Ah! You can imagine it! I see it dancing in your eyes!"

My cheeks heat, and I shift on my feet. "Sorry?"

She points at me. "That look! Right there! This is the dress, isn't it?"

I study the wedding gown, trying to imagine Fiona in anything else, but it's useless. I ask Colette, "What if she doesn't love it?"

She shrugs. "Pick two backups. I'll send you with all three."

I think about it for a moment, then declare, "I'd appreciate it if you pick the others."

She nods. "No problem, Your Majesty."

"Thank you."

She quickly selects two very different gowns, hangs them on the wall, and inquires, "Are these good?"

"Sure."

"Great." She enters the hall, says something in French, and the young women return. They curtsy again.

"No need to curtsy anymore today."

"Sir?" a dark-haired girl asks.

"It's okay. I'd prefer you don't," I tell her.

"If the king says no, just obey," Colette reprimands.

The girl's cheeks heat. "Yes. Sorry, sir."

"No problem."

Colette speaks in French again, and they wheel out the dresses. She turns toward me with a new gleam in her eyes. "Are you ready for the fun part?"

I arch my eyebrows.

Colette questions, "I was told you'll have a Knights of the Round Table ceremony?"

My chest tightens. I had forgotten about my upcoming moment of horror, not just for myself but for Fiona.

"Just one moment," she says, and peeks out the door again, rattling off a string of French.

Another rack, this one full of lingerie, is wheeled inside, and the girls disappear.

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