Chapter 35 #2
I broke the stare to look at Eliza as she nodded. I turned back to Amyra, and we giggled, and for a moment, I felt like we were our past selves, ready to gossip about who was coming to the event.
It was in that moment that I wanted Mother here most, and a gentle wave of grief washed through me, knowing that I was only here in this moment because we lost her. This day was going to be difficult, in so many ways.
Ivy got dressed in her gown, a darker teal shade that closely matched Amyra’s.
The fitted bodice featured swirling silver embroidery, mirroring frost creeping over glass just as ours did.
Off-the-shoulder sleeves draped in sheer fabric, dusted with tiny crystals that caught the light with every movement.
The skirt cascaded in velvet and chiffon; its hem lined with delicate icy filigree.
A matching silver hairpiece adorned her red curls, shaped like intertwining winter vines.
She looked formidable, yet effortlessly elegant.
I was so impressed with how Eliza and her team pulled this off for us. They must’ve worked night and day to make these dresses look this stunning.
It was time for us to make our way to the temple.
We planned to use underground tunnels to get there, both for safety reasons and to avoid revealing my appearance before the wedding ceremony.
Courtiers walked with us through the tunnels, laying down long carpets just as we approached to keep our gowns clean from any of the dirt.
Apparently, this was a tradition that the courtiers enjoyed doing for royal weddings.
I tried to point out that I could take the dirt off when we arrived, but they insisted they be allowed this courtesy.
I appreciated how they wanted to help make my day special and agreed.
We arrived at the room that hid us until the start of the ceremony. Shortly after, a knock sounded on the door. Ivy went to look and invited the person in. “Your Grace,” she greeted him. “Wait, is that right? Or do I wait until after the coronation? I’m so sorry.”
Father smiled, the first real smile I’d seen on his face since Mother died. “Technically, I’m still king until she completes the ceremony. But there is no worry for you, Lady Ivy. You’d have to face punishment from our future queen, and I suspect she has a soft spot for you.”
“You’re fine, Ivy, as always. But don’t go abusing that,” I teased.
Ivy curtsied after she shut the door.
“Lyla, you’re so perfectly you, a dress to suit both occasions, while snubbing them each at the same time. This suits you and suits the change you’ll bring us.”
Father crossed the room as he complimented me. We were face to face, father and daughter, old king and new queen. I smiled, tears threatening to spill, and asked. “Have you come to offer your words of advice? ”
“Don’t get sick,” Father teased again, showing his side as my parent, not my advisor or ruler. The role I hadn’t really experienced from him in months. I giggled and reached to hug him.
“I just wish I could do this with Amyra, Father.” I whispered. “I know why it couldn’t be, but I wish it were different.”
“Lylabug, once you are queen, you can make it different. Let’s finish the war before we go making changes, but you can change the laws to allow you to openly embrace Amyra.
If I make it through this war, I will help you make it happen.
” Father pulled out of the hug before adding, “You will bring this kingdom exactly to where it needs to be.”
He stepped back and admired me again. “You were born for this. You will be my greatest gift to the world. I love you.”
The tears spilled down my face as I smiled at him. “I will be only the Queen you helped me to become.” I replied, dabbing at my face.
“Your Majesty, if I could just shoo you out of this room, so that Lyla doesn’t destroy her look before the wedding starts?” Ivy asked, moving back towards the door to open it for Father.
“Yes, yes, of course. I will see you out there, Lyla.” Father bowed to me as if he were my subject.
“I love you too,” I replied, waving at him.
The door didn’t even close before Ethan arrived, dressed in his standard black and white tuxedo. I snorted. “The same thing as always? Couldn’t even get a different tie?” I teased.
Ethan bowed to me in that same reverent way that Father did. “My queen, I got a tie. I just missed my appointment to pick it up this morning.”
Ivy pulled a tie out of her pocket, one that matched her dress. She helped Ethan put it on. Was there something between them? I had been so busy; I didn’t even keep track of where Ethan had been for the last couple of months. What was happening?
She finished tying it on, and stuffed a square in his coat, then patted his chest. “Much better. Now you look like you belong. ”
“Uh, did I miss something here?” I asked, looking between the two.
Ethan and Ivy grinned at each other, then turned to me, with Ivy saying, “You’ve missed precisely nothing, Lyla, I promise.”
Somehow, I didn’t believe that. But Ethan didn’t give me a chance to question it. “Lyla, now that I’m properly dressed, can I offer my condolences?”
His smirk told me he was kidding, but I played along. “Condolences? What for?” I brought my eyebrows together in faux worry.
“For your freedom, my dear sister. You’ll miss it so much.” He hugged me and whispered. “I’m only kidding. I wish you years of happiness with Spencer, and let me know if he needs to be straightened. He might be my friend, but you’re my sister and I will tolerate nothing below pure worship for you.”
I giggled, hugging him back. “Of course, thank you.”
He pulled out of the hug, holding my upper arms while I grasped at his forearms. “Lyla, you look absolutely stunning, and I can’t state how much I am here for you in any way today.”
“Want to take the crown later?” I offered, a knowing smirk on my face.
“But that.” Ethan amended, laughing.
“Then what I need most from you is to have the most fun today, and to ensure I have a bit too.” I smiled.
Ethan nodded. “Consider me the Fun Czar of the day. You will have the most fun I can dream up for you.” He saluted me, causing all of us to laugh.
A door knock sounded, followed by the door opening. The planner entered and said, “It’s time.”
“That’s my cue to get to my position.” Ethan said as he rushed out the door.
I took one last glance at Ivy and Amyra. “Promise me you two will be by my side, not just today, but always?”
They nodded. “Of course, my Queen. I’ll do anything for you.” Amyra swore.