A Little Twist

Eighty-Three

Eight months later. 

Risa looks at her reflection. It almost feels like a real wedding, but we're doing this for Daiki and our safety. She wears a lace dress with a tulle skirt that hides her feet and pumps. 

'I know it's hard to believe but it's happening, Risa. In about half an hour, you will be married to Shu.' Haruna took a quick look in the huge ballroom. 'I see a lot of women in the back. It's like they can't believe that Shu is getting married. I still can't believe Yui killed herself.' 

'Why am I nervous?' Risa turns to her friend. 'And that's hardly on my mind now.' 

'Sorry, because you are about to be married to a prince,' Haruna guesses. 'I mean, he is the son of a king in this world.' Reiji, Kou, and Carla worked together for some answers on that. 

Risa starts to wave her hand for some cool air. 'That's not helping.' 

'Alright, whatever you found, it won't be as good as what I found.' Laito walks inside and sees the simple dress. 'Take it off, now.' He hangs up a long clothes cover and opens the zipper. 'Haruna, help her out of that dress.' He inspects her hair and the hairpiece. 'Looks almost like a crown, keep it.' 

'Laito.' Risa covers up. 'I can't wear a bra under this dress...' 

'I've seen you feed Daiki sometimes. This is not the time to get picky. Quick now, there isn't much time.' 

Haruna helps her out of the dress when she sees Laito taking a dress out of the cover and whistles. 'Gorgeous.' 

Risa turns her head and sees a different dress. 'Laito,' she whispers, seeing a lace dress with a satin long skirt and long sleeves. 

'See, that's the look I missed.' Laito helps her in the dress. Thanks to Reiji, I have the right size too. 'It's a sweetheart neckline and a lace necklace. The lace is here in the back of the skirt and a low back.' Perfect, no straps from a bra in her back. 'You can't wear a bra with this dress either.' He shows her and helps with the long train. 'Haruna, there's a matching veil.' 

'I got it.' Haruna finds the veil. 'Lovely.' 

Risa catches her reflection again but in her new dress. 'Oh my gosh, Laito.' 

'You're supposed to fall in love with the dress, Risa.' He puts his hands on her shoulders. 'Now, you look like a bride. Dare I say it, a princess. You look breathtaking.' 

Haruna laughs. 'Like you breathe.' 

'You know what I mean. I have to get back to the front.' Laito hugs her carefully. 'I don't know what made you choose him, but I won't deny that having his blessing for this wedding is a good thing. No one would ever cross him.' 

'He heard of the wedding and contacted me.' She looks at the mirror one more time. I wonder what Shu will do when he sees me like this. 'Laito, if you are here then where's Daiki?' 

'Safe with Subaru. Don't worry, get married first, and you'll get him back.' Laito gives her a kiss on the cheek. 

A knock on the door is enough that Risa feels her heart in her throat. For a moment, she lays a hand on her heart. I can't believe it's finally happening. Shu graduated from school. Now, our wedding and, in July, we're moving to America. 

Haruna opened the door. 'We're ready.' 

'Good, we're next, and after that, Risa with you, Carla.' Reiji waited for Haruna. 

'Reiji, please, there's one thing still missing. From that rhyme, something blue?' Risa went down the list in her mind. She wears Haruna's earrings as something borrowed. Something new is the blood-red garter around her leg. And her former dress was something old.