The Perfect Kingdom

Epilogue

"I can't find my dress!"

Amelia's scream sent birds escaping from their trees over in the next city. Fortunately, her friends were already accustomed to her outbursts over the recent days. They instinctively stuffed their ears with their fingers the moment they saw the frazzled young lady open her mouth. Amelia started hyperventilating as she fell into her chair and clutched her heart.

"Amelia, calm down!" Gwen told her, speaking in the most authoritative voice she could muster while trying to prevent her impatience from getting the better of her. "Look in the mirror. You're wearing your dress."

Amelia shakily turned to the full-length mirror by her side. She saw herself sitting in the chair while wearing the most perfect white dress that she had ever seen. It flowed down her body like cascading water, rippling with every movement. It was contoured to her body, showing off her curves, yet was elegant with the full-length sleeves and stitched patterns made with clear crystals that sparkled brilliantly.

"I'm beautiful, aren't I?" Amelia nervously asked. Gwen rolled her eyes.

"Yes, you are, Amelia!" Lisa happily chimed in. "We just need to apply the make-up."

Amelia obediently closed her eyes and stuck her face outwards on command.

"You're up," Gwen called out, wanting no further part in the madness.

Jessica toted a box of enhancement products and started applying them on Amelia's eyes, lips, and cheeks with a steady and experienced hand. She had already performed the same task for the rest of them. All three of them were wearing dresses that matched Amelia's, only without the jewelled embroideries.

"Remember when we didn't know what to do with these things?" Gwen laughed, inspecting herself in the mirror. "Not only do we know now, we're also all in normal dresses for a change."

"What have we become?" Jessica joked.

She delicately inked the finishing touches and pronounced Amelia to be perfect. Amelia opened her eyes to see the mirror and squealed with excitement.

"I'm so beautiful!" she gushed. Gwen rolled her eyes and shook her head with disgust.

"Yes, you are gorgeous!" Lisa helpfully agreed. Gwen swatted the back of Lisa's head as punishment for inflating Amelia's ego.

"How are the decorations and the venue?" Amelia asked.

"Natalie and Nichole are on it," Jessica replied.

"The food?" Amelia continued.

"Delicious. I've checked," Gwen grinned. "The recipes are from Jessica, after all."

"What about Shawn? He must be so worried right now! Can you girls check on him for me please?" Amelia requesting, pressing her hands together.

"No..." Gwen resolutely began, before Jessica hooked her arm and pulled her back.

"Of course, Amelia. Anything for you today," Jessica smiled, before shooting Gwen a glare and marching her out of the room with Lisa in tow.

Meanwhile, in another room, Shawn was having a nervous breakdown. He was clutching his head in his hands and his eyes were unfocused. He looked to be frothing in the mouth until Zack wrestled his arms away and slapped his face to clear it. It would be impossible to clean Shawn's and their impeccably-white suits if he lost control and started emptying his stomach.

"What is wrong with you? Are you that nervous?" Zack demanded, trying to get his friend to stay conscious.

"No, I..." Shawn shakily whispered. "I just imagined Amelia in her dress. She must be so beautiful. I can't believe I'm marrying her today."