It's Arranged (18+) ✔

TWO

"Thanks." I say saluting the driver as I step out of the car.

I head into the shop clutching my phone and wallet as I do so. I step up to the first rack that I see and start going through it but then I realize that I don't know what to wear to a ball. Sure I've made tons of dresses in my career but this fancy stuff is on a whole other level. Before I Google "What is appropriate to wear to a Ball?" an elderly woman walks up to me and puts a hand on my shoulder.

"Can I help you with anything darling?"

"Actually you can. Do you have anything that's appropriate for a ball?"

"Right this way." She says leading me towards the back of the decently sized building.

"What style are you looking for?" She asks once we arrive at the rack.

"I don't think my style is appropriate for a formal event."

"Well I'll start you off with this. The color looks great with your skin."

She pulls out a floor length royal blue gown. I admire the delicately placed gems on the bodice. I head to the dressing room and begin disrobing when the clerk began speaking again.

"I couldn't help but notice your accent. Where are you from?"

"America. But I've lived in South Korea for the past few years." I say as I step out of the cubicle to assess myself in the full length mirror.

"South Korea, wow! So what brings you to Monaco?"

"Oh, I'm engaged." I say with a slight shutter. It feels weird to say that I'm engaged to a man who I just met. The one thing that seems to keep me going is the fact that so many women have been forced into arranged marriages and they have survived, and that thought alone makes me sure that I'll be okay.

Not quite liking the look I head back to the racks until my sights land on a short a-line dress with lace on it. I take it off the rack to feel the soft material and go back to the dressing room.

"So who's the lucky fella you're marrying?"

"The king." I say nonchalantly as I strip.

"What?" The woman yells. "You're marrying King Henry. That engagement ball today is for you?"

"Uh, yeah I guess." I say walking out of the room.

"Wow. I always assumed he'd marry Maureen." She says thoughtfully.

"Who's that?" I ask meeting her bright green eyes.

"They're childhood friends. We all thought that because of how close they are they'd end up together."

I hum in response.

Are you getting jealous? My conscience asks teasingly.

"This dress is perfect. Do you have any shoes here?" I question after I had taken off the dress. It currently hangs over my arm.

She leads me to the front of the store where a small display of shoes are. I find a nice pair of white heels. I pay for my items before going back to the awaiting car. Wanting to experience Monaco, we drive all over town. I got to try some of the delicacies this place has to offer. After a few hours of sightseeing we head back to the palace and by the time we get there the party is in full swing.

I walk from the garage to the room I've been staying in and shower before dressing in my newly purchased items. I spend some extra time putting my thick mess of hair into a neat bun, making sure to leave a free strands out. And my God, I look hot. Slipping on my gorgeous ring with some simple diamond earrings I walk out of my room and walk towards the sound of music and idle chatter.