“No.Way.”
I lifted the dress, the first thing hitting me being the gorgeous purple shade. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
“This was made to the same measurements as the pink number. So, even though you haven’t had a chance to try it on, it should still fit.”
I wasted no time shucking off my clothes and getting down to my underwear to try on the dress. I put it on over my head, Kinley coming over and helping me the rest of the way.
“Let me just zip you up… there!”
I couldn’t help but grin. The dress felt great, and I quickly rushed over to the mirrors in the walk-in closet letting me know that itlookedgreat, too.
“Well?” Kinley stepped to my side. “What do you think?”
I didn’t know what to say. So, instead of trying to figure out the right words, I let out a squeal as I threw my arms around her.
“It’s amazing! I swear, Kins, you’rea genius.”
She blushed. “Well, I don’t know if I’d gothatfar.”
“I’m serious, you’ve got a gift.”
“You’re too kind. All the same, this dress… it’s going to cause quite a splash. I’m sure that I don’t need to tell you that the king has most certainlynotapproved it.”
“That’s fine with me. It’s going to make a splash, huh? Consider this girl ready to jump in.”
Chapter 38
Luc
It didn’t matter how many years I’d spent in the palace; the annual Harvest Ball never failed to impress. The ball was a time to celebrate Edoria, to remember that, despite the nation’s place firmly in the twenty-first century, we’d once been a country of workers who earned their living with nothing more than their bare hands.
The palace ballroom was decorated to the nines—red and orange and brown décor hanging from the railings and the chandeliers, long tables packed with harvest food offerings from local farmers, cooks, and bakers, and a jazz band, the king’s sole variation from tradition, played on stage.
The crowd in attendance was a who’s who of Edoria, nobility mingling with wealthy financial specialists and well-to-do small business owners. Members of other nation’s royal families were in attendance, as well. A quick glance over the crowd and I was able to spot one of the princesses of Denmark, a few French barons, and the second son of the Spanish king.
There were hundreds of people there altogether, and for the next week the nation of Edoria would be abuzz with gossip and rumors of what happened at the ball.
“Wonderful turnout as always, wouldn’t you say, Luc?” Alaric leaned into me as he spoke, a glass of wine in each of our hands.
“A spectacular night. You should be proud.”
He nodded. “The staff is what makes it all possible. They are to whom my gratitude goes.”
Matters between Alaric and me were still tense. The two of us had barely said a word to one another since our fight earlier in the week. Alaric, however, wasn’t the sort of man to let whatever differences we might’ve had cause a spectacle. Whatever remained to be resolved between us would wait for another night.
“Very magnanimous of you, Your Grace.”
He waved his hand through the air. “I’m not above giving credit where credit is due.”
The two of us made our way through the crowd, stopping and chatting with whoever wanted a bit of time with the king. As Alaric made the rounds, all I could think about was Ava.
I wasn’t alone in the sentiment.
“Tell me, Alaric,” spoke Johan Fitts, a local finance magnate. “Where is this daughter of yours?”
“This princess of yours,” added Maribelle Pitchford, the head of a local charity that Analise had helped develop when she was still living in Edoria. She smiled in a sly sort of manner. “If it’s been your intention to build suspense about her unveiling, consider the job done.”
Alaric chuckled as he sipped his wine. “You know that I’ve never been one for theatrics. My daughter Ava has been preparing for tonight, and the reason she’s been hidden from the public eye is because of tradition, no other reason.”