The Royal Family Can't Stop Pampering Me

CHAPTER THREE: Welcome to The Family

Chapter Three

Welcome to The Family

4 Months earlier...

The air was crisp, filled with the buzz of laughter, music, and the scent of pumpkin spice wafting through the Halloween party. Sophia adjusted the black lace of her witch's hat, feeling light and carefree as she stood in a circle of friends, nursing a drink. Her friend, Hayley, nudged her, her eyes wide with fascination as she pointed across the room.

"Look at that dress!" Hayley gasped.

Sophia turned to see what had captured her friend's attention and was immediately drawn in. A woman dressed in an elaborate Victorian gown—corset and all—stood elegantly near the doorway. The deep burgundy fabric shimmered under the dim party lights, its layers sweeping the floor as she moved gracefully through the crowd. The lace gloves, high collar, and jeweled brooch completed the picture of someone who had stepped straight out of the 19th century.

"Wow," Sophia breathed. "That's gorgeous."

"I know, right?" Hayley agreed. "Can you imagine dressing like that every day? I mean, look at it. How do you even breathe in that?"

Sophia chuckled. "I'd rather not think about it. I can barely handle zipping up a regular dress without feeling like I'm about to pop, let alone wear something like that every day. I think I'd pass out before I made it to breakfast."

"You could totally pull it off, though," Hayley teased, a sly grin forming. "Oh! I have an idea. What if you made that the theme for your wedding? It would be iconic!"

Sophia shook her head, laughing. "Absolutely not. There's no way I'm getting laced into something like that for hours."

"What? It could be fun! I bet your fiancé would love that. After all, he's a historian."

"Let's just stick to something where we can breathe, alright?" Sophia replied, her laughter mingling with the background chatter of the party.

✦

Ellira gasped as her eyes snapped open, the cobblestones rattling beneath her as the carriage wheels clattered along. Her body felt stiff, wrapped tightly in layers of fabric that reminded her all too well of the conversation she'd had months ago at that Halloween party. Only now, she wasn't admiring the dress from afar; she was wearing it.

The heavy fabric of the gown weighed down on her, the corset pressing firmly against her ribs, making every breath shallow. She glanced out of the carriage window, her gaze traveling over the high stone walls surrounding the Portchild estate. The estate itself loomed ahead, sprawling and grand, its intricate architecture towering above her. Elegant spires stretched towards the sky, while lush gardens framed the grounds in symmetry.

"Ah. What the hell..." she muttered under her breath, frustration evident on it.

"We're almost there, my lady," Twyla said, glancing out of the window, her voice soothing amidst the flutter of nerves bubbling in Ellira's chest.

Ellira nodded, her eyes widening as the estate gates swung open.

The carriage rolled into the courtyard, and Ellira's breath caught in her throat. Dozens of staff members stood in formation, their uniforms crisp and faces attentive. The sheer number of people alone made her feel dizzy. They all bowed in unison as the carriage came to a stop.

So this is Ellira's life. She mused, struggling to ground herself in the unfamiliar reality.

Twyla helped her out of the carriage. As she stepped down, the scene before her became even more overwhelming. At the forefront of the grand assembly, her 'family' waited. They were beaming, their faces a blend of excitement, curiosity, and affection.