CHAPTER 34

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The sound of your bedroom door being pushed open jolts you awake. Your eyes open blearily, taking a moment to adjust to the early morning sunlight filtering in through the window. The sight that greets you, however, is not the peaceful room you fell asleep in. Instead, your room is chaos.

Seamstresses run around like a hive of bees, carrying rolls of fabric, measuring tapes, and needles. Your mother, the queen, stands in the center of the maelstrom, issuing orders and giving instructions in a firm but gentle voice. Beatrice stands at the edge of the chaos, a worried expression on her face.

As you groggily prop yourself up on your elbows, Beatrice turns to you, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a look of concern. "Good, you're awake," she says as she walks over to the bed. "We've got a slight problem."

Her words send a jolt of unease down your spine. A problem on her wedding day? That didn't bode well. "What is it?" you ask, sitting up fully and swinging your legs over the side of the bed.

"It's your wedding gown," Beatrice replies, her voice uncharacteristically solemn. "The seamstresses are trying to fix it, but...well, it's not looking good."

Your heart skips a beat, panic rising in your chest. Your wedding gown was one of the few things about the wedding that you felt completely confident about. It had been designed to your exact specifications, painstakingly created to fit you perfectly. The thought of it being ruined, just days before the ceremony, is horrifying.

"What happened?" you ask, your voice strained as you try not to let the panic show. Your mother, overhearing your conversation, turns to you, her expression a mix of sympathy and annoyance. "It was Lady Lucidia," she replies briskly. "She was caught sneaking in the palace and cutting up your gown." she breathes "She was arrested and sent back to Arkann."

Your heart drops as her words sink in. Lady Lucidia had always hated you from the beginning, and you knew that. She destroyed your gown at the Arkann-Solaria Peace Ball with wine and now she ruined your wedding dress. You were worried about what she would do since the confrontation that day. The thought of her sneaking into the palace, destroying your wedding gown, made your blood boil.

Your mother notices your anger and lays a gentle hand on your shoulder. "I know how much this must upset you," she murmurs, her voice softer now. "But we can't let it ruin your big day. The dress is being repaired at the moment. The seamstresses are working on it as fast as they can."

You take a deep breath, trying to steady your emotions. Your mother is right. Letting Lady Lucidia ruin your wedding day would only give her exactly what she wanted. "What can I do to help?" you ask, forcing a calmness into your voice that you don't necessarily feel.

Your mother gives you a small smile, visibly pleased with your response. "Not much, unfortunately," she responds. "The seamstresses are doing all they can. Just be patient and let them work."

After hours of frantic work, the seamstresses finally finish repairing your wedding gown. The rip Lady Lucidia had made in the fabric is now patched, the lace carefully sewn back into place. The dress still looks beautiful, the delicate lace and pearl details unmarred by the damage.

Your mother inspects the gown, her keen eye noting every stitch and seam. "It's not perfect," she says finally, "But it's the best they could do at such short notice."

With the gown repaired, the seamstresses help you into it. The fabric is cool and smooth against your skin, the familiar weight of it settling over your body like a second skin. As you stand there, allowing the seamstresses to adjust the train and cinch the bodice, your mother and Beatrice watch you with proud eyes.

You've reached the end of published parts.

⏰ Last updated: Sep 02 ⏰

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