All I Have

Chapter 15 ~ A Gigantic Middle Finger, Fuck You to You Too Sir

It takes five women almost two hours to get me ready, with Ernesto running desperately between my grandmother and I, acting as resident project manager. It's an exhausting process, made harder by the tight waist and heavy material, although most of my pity is deflected to Asher, who simply has to stand to attention beside me the whole time.

He's been off all morning, silent and twitchy and I hope once this high stress day is done, he can relax and actually enjoy some time in his home country. I wonder at one point if there's something else bothering him, but when a makeup artist accidentally smudges some lipstick, chaos breaks out once more and I have to forget that idea.

I have to forget that, along with most other things today, because even I know how important this is for us, not just for dad, but for our family. My prior days of sneaking out of the castle, swearing at mum and wearing clothes not pre-tailored for me are over, just for the next twenty-four hours, as I have to keep reminding myself.

This day is historical, monumental and so, so important for my country and I'll be damned if anything ruins it, least of all me. Today I will pretend to be the people's perfect princess, and tomorrow the journey to become her will begin.

When everyone is done, they leave the room to tend to my mother, who is more than happy to take advantage of Ernesto's presence in the castle, leaving Asher and I alone in my room. I try to avoid looking in all the mirrors the team have set up, but the girl I saw in this dress two days ago seems to have relaxed a little and she's found some confidence to match the beauty of such a dress.

Today, she is strong and capable and ready to begin her life in the royal monarchy, alongside a family who has fought so hard to get there.

With a dress covered in golden leaves, beautiful examples of life, I am reminded how lucky I am to get to stand beside my father, when Christopher never got the chance, and Charlie is still running scared. I muster as much dignity as I can for all three of us and smile, because despite none of us having been to this cathedral in six years, today we're going together.

If my smile can comfort Charlie, who I know will watch this online, for even a second, I intend to do it the whole damn day. Asher has also apparently adopted the same philosophy, considering the stupid grin on his face.

'Are you gonna stop staring at yourself at some point today?' He smirks. I shove his shoulder and walk towards the balcony for some air that isn't lethally contaminated with hair spray. He follows me, 'Let's just have fun today, okay?'

'I can't.' I tell him, and he rolls his eyes.

'And why would that be?' He asks.

'You made me promise to be on my best behaviour.' I grin, walking back over to the balcony when the air feels lighter again.

'Always ready with a sarcastic comment.' He chuckles, but makes an interrupting noise when my hand goes for the door, 'Actually, you're not allowed outside, sorry.'

'Why?' I ask.

'Apparently, there's reporters that have hired boats and are camped out in the cove.' Asher admits, 'They've been trying to get pictures of you all morning. You're under strict instructions to stay away from the windows.'

I nod, trying not to remember all the other faces and voices that dictated my movements when I was younger. Every day before today, Ash hasn't had an ear piece and a microphone down his sleeve, and despite his beautifully tailored suit, I can tell there's a bulletproof vest underneath. Alissa has styled him in a navy three piece, with gold detailing, tie and pocket square.

In fact, she's added so many little golden accessories everywhere that there's no way it was a coincidence, nor do I believe for a second it could have been. His light brown shoes match the strap of Charlie's watch that I notice he's wearing, and his golden eyes look like they've been perfectly designed for today. He's bought new glasses and his curls are neater than usual. I don't know why they've bothered to make us match, especially since my grandfather already reminded me of the policies of agents dating their clients.