From Prisoner To Princess [amazon edition]

Chapter 42

Chapter 42

"So how was dinner last night?" Lia asks as Clarice and Millia helps to dress me for the Parade, a cream princess off the shoulder court train lace tulle ball gown with sequins. The bodice is made of intricate lace, the sweetheart neckline cut lower than I would like but the train is what surprised me. We agreed tulle did not look good on me weeks ago, but this full ball gown made of tulle with slight lace detailing really did look good on me.

"It went well. Ron and Liz hit it off with my grandparents and they agreed to coming for more events my grandmama hosts. I think Liz and grandmama are going to be spending more time together." Millia carefully curls my hair into a cascading updo, the amethyst tipped hair pins shining in the light.

"Sounds like she needs it." Millia chuckles out, making me smile.

"She does. Liz and Ron are the only elderly couple in the Slums. She needs a friend her age." I agree as Clarice walks into the room with a pillow in hand, my amethyst tiara on top.

"You have so many tiara's in that closet of yours, why do you always choose this one?" She asks, setting the pillow on the table and carefully lifting the tiara.

"Because it was my mother's. My crown for my coronation crown will be a replicated mix of both her's and my father's crowns." Clarice carefully places the tiara on top of my head, her eyes scanning me from head to toe as she backs away.

"We understand. Our mother died when we were little and both Clarice and I wear a necklace each that we inherited from her." Millia smiles as she stands beside her sister, her eyes also scanning me from head to toe.

"You're ready." With their approval, I tell them to go enjoy the fair today and follow Lia out of my dressing room. Currently we are in a warehouse just outside of the parade route that has been used for years. Sky and the rest of the elite are dressed in black slacks, black boots a cream coloured dress shirt and a blazer in the colour dark orchid – if I call it dark purple I am pretty sure Lidia will give me another lecture about colour theory.

Each one wears the pin I gave them on their blazers, a smile on their faces as they help those in the parade with last minute touches before we prepare to leave. I watch as the farmers and volunteers mingle with one another, smiles on all their faces at the excitement of today. It has been a long time since the Spring Parade was this festive and I was beginning to grow nervous. Today will be my first formal appearance to my people, what if they hate me?

"I can't do this." I state as I start to pace beside the white carriage, Romeo and Juliet already connected to the front watching me with their large brown eyes.

"Yes you can Alli!" Sky reassures, stopping me in my tracks with one hand on my cheek and the other on my shoulder.

"You grew up in these streets, you know the people better than most royals do. You got this." He pulls me into a hug, his pine scented shower gel helping to calm my nerves. I hate when Sky is right because right now he is right. I know the streets of Zalaris better than most and know the Slums of Zalaris even more.

"Better?" He asks, pulling away to look me in the eye.

"A little. Maybe I need a little animal therapy." Sky chuckles at my reply, watching me as I step towards the horses and scratch both of them behind the ear. I look to the massive horses and reach into my pocket as I continue to scratch Juliet, handing her a sugar cube before Romeo buts his head towards the pocket of my dress where I produce a sugar cube for him as well. Just being near these gorgeous creatures lightens my worries.

Parade floats begin to leave the warehouse one at a time, following the instructions of Linda and her crew. I sigh waking towards Sky as he waits by the side of the carriage. Careful of my dress, Sky helps me into the carriage where I promptly take a seat. Sky climbs onto the driver seat beside the driver, the man dressed in a black tuxedo. Alice smiles as she joins me on the carriage in a light cream dress, the only Guard to portray herself as my Lady in Waiting.