Page 26 of His Royal Request

I shrugged. “Yeah. If you think it will be appropriate.”

Her left eyebrow rose just a few millimeters. “So, you’ll wear what I suggest. No arguments?”

“This is a bit out of my comfort zone.” I waved a hand around the store. “I’m going to need some guidance.”

Slowly, her smile grew. “I won’t lead you astray, don’t worry.”

I wasn’t sure why but if it made her happy, I had no problem letting her style me.

I looked around and noticed an employee hanging back near the fitting rooms. I smiled at her and she tilted her head in acknowledgment. I wondered why she wasn’t approaching us but I remembered this was one of Isla’s favorite stores. Maybe they knew she liked to pick out her own clothes.

“Charlie!” I heard a gasp and rushed over to where Isla had wandered off.

Isla held up a grey-blue gown. It swept the floor and had a lace bodice and sleeves with a silk skirt. It was breath-taking and probably more expensive than everything I owned, combined. I reached out to touch it and sighed when I felt the lush fabric.

“This is gorgeous.”

Isla beamed. “This is the dress for the wedding. We just have to find a hat to match.”

I took the dress from her as she held it out and turned it around to see the back. It was sheer with crystal closures down to the skirt. This was worthy of a royal wedding.

By the time I caught up to Isla she had three more dresses picked out.

“I found a few for dinners and other events we’ll be attending this week. If you run out, we can come back.”

Exactly how many events would take place this week? I was under the impression I was just showing up for the wedding, but Isla made it seem like there would be something different every day.

Before I could respond she was walking toward the fitting rooms. The employee from before had disappeared so Isla had free-reign to hang up the dresses and point me to the first room.

“I want to see all of them even if you don’t love it,” Isla said. “I need to get a sense of your style and what fits you best.”

She seemed to have already done that but I just agreed and locked the door behind me. I picked up the purple dress first, wanting to hold out on the gown until the very last. I knew nothing would top it so I didn’t want to be disappointed after taking it off.

I slipped it over my head and smiled as the silky fabric fell over my body. This was nicer than any dress I’d ever worn. I searched for a price tag but failed. Liza always told me there were some places where if you had to ask the price you couldn't afford it.

This was definitely one of those places. I forced the thought out of my mind. I felt terrible that Aiden would be footing the bill, but he assured me it was fine. I had a feeling a shopping trip was nothing compared to the private jet we’d used.

I turned from side to side admiring how flattering the dress was. Even though it was relatively simple, the fabric and cut screamed luxury. I opened the door and stood in the middle of the secluded sitting area surrounded by mirrors. Isla was sitting on an ivory, velvet chaise with a perfect view to scrutinize each dress.

She hummed and slowly smiled. “That’s lovely.”

My own smiled grew as I ran my hands over the skirt. “It’s so soft.”

She laughed. “Are there pockets?”

I searched for them and shook my head.

“Darn. Those are always my favorite.”

I laughed. “Mine too.”

“Well, that is a definite yes. I’ll make sure we get a fascinator for it as well. You can wear it to one of the outdoor events.”

“A what?” I asked.

“A fascinator. A headpiece or hat?” She gestured to her head.

I nodded and pretended like this was a completely normal conversation to be having. “Right, of course.” I drew in a breath. “How many events are there?”