Don't Ever Apologize (Coby x OC - AU)

Don't Ever Apologize (Coby x OC)

Reena could feel the circulation in her body constricting as her lady-in-waiting tightened the corset around her bosoms.

"I don't understand why we're having a ball. It's an arranged marriage. I'll meet him and his family on our wedding day."

From the other side of the Reena's bedroom, her mother, Rouge, waved an elegant hand and took a seat at the vanity. "My sweet daughter." Was all that she said as she picked up a perfume bottle, spritzed her wrist and then gave it a longing smell.

"Lady Reena, what dress would you like to wear this evening. I've taken the liberty of setting out three beautifully gowns that I know would look stunning on you."

Reena tucked a strand of strawberry blonde hair behind her ear and examined the dresses that Lola laid out on the bed. They were lovely gowns, handmade by their personal seamstress who was known for her fine works. Each one was dyed a vided color and had striking gold embroidery.

"The teal would look unquestionably lovely on you," Rouge commented. "Now please hurry along. The guests will be arriving shortly and as you know, your father prefers to have everyone downstairs and in the ballroom before they arrive."

"Yes mother," Reena said routinely. Grabbing the dress by the hem, she rubbed the soft fabric between her thumb and index finger. "Teal it is."

"Good choice," Lola grinned, scooping the dress up.

From across the room, Rouge watched her daughter with an admiring eye. She was proud of her and the woman that she'd become. Not a lot of young women were as obedient as she was when it came to an arranged marriage. Not that Reena didn't give them trouble at first. She definitely put her say in the matter. But after an extensive discussion, she came to an understanding and knew that the arranged marriage was in the Kingdom's best interest.

"I'm going to check on your brother. I will see you downstairs."

Because Lola was now suffocating her with the dress, trying to yank it over her head, Reena wasn't able to answer, so instead she gave a simple thumbs up.

When the door closed, Lola looked up at Reena. "Would you like a glass of whisky to calm your nerves?" She asked, now reaching beneath the gown to smooth out the wrinkles.

Reena smiled and winked down at the pinkette. "How about a bottle?"

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With the whisky bottle in hand, Reena strolled down the empty halls of her father's castle and made her way to the ballroom. When she reached the enormous golden doors, two guards bowed and opened them for her. She was relieved to see that she wasn't late to her father's festivities.

Stepping into the immense room, she took a swig of her whisky and studied the setup. Floral arrangements decorated the walls and tables, candles were lit, refreshments were set out and the orchestra was already playing soft music. Even Viola was present, ready to entertain the guests with her dancing when they arrived.

It was a fine-looking arrangement, she couldn't deny that. Her father knew how to impress guests. But because the only reason for the gathering was to introduce her to her husband-to-be, she wasn't enthralled in the occasion. Even though she knew that it was her duty and that it would keep peace between the two Kingdoms.

"Peace between kingdoms," she snorted under her breath, slightly tipsy, "what kind of crap is that? There's never going to be peace."

"My daughter," Her father's deep voice beckoned, "come take a seat. The guests will be here soon."