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Chapter Thirteen
1 Year Later...
"There's just one more thing for you to sign, Lady Parker." The lawyer handed me another sheet of paper.
I sighed, reading through the ridiculous fine print. Happy with what it said, I scrawled my name at the bottom, marvelling once more that this was going to be one of the last times I signed anything with Parker. Except my marriage certificate that was.
"Is there anything else I can help you with?" he asked.
"Yes. Please ensure this is delivered to my stepmother."
I handed him a thick envelope containing the deeds to my family home and arrangements for a stipend. Leo had reminded me I didn't need to do it, but he was wrong. I did. And I hadn't added any ridiculous requirements to it either. While my stepmother might not deserve the chance I was giving her, Rita certainly did. As did Dad's memory. He'd seen something in the woman, so I would for his sake too.
"Of course, my Lady."
I flinched slightly at being so formally addressed, despite the fact I knew I'd have to get used to a whole different title soon. There were only a couple of days left until I got married. I just needed to tie up a few loose ends first.
"And please ensure she understands she'll get this no matter how she acts." She'd still hate it, especially as my wedding would mean her losing any chance of gaining my trust fund. And likely any chance at winning a Prince for her daughter. Though from what Rita had said, that could only be a good thing.
"Of course."
"Thank you."
He rose to his feet and bowed his head in respect. I just about managed to refrain from squirming in my seat. I had to get used to this kind of thing. Leo had been trying to coach me through it but hadn't managed quite yet.
The lawyer didn't look back as he walked out the room. Not that I minded. He was here for one reason and that was now done.
"Remind me why you had him flown all the way here?" Enrique asked as he slipped in and plonked himself down on the seat next to mine.
"I needed to sort out a few things. And what are you complaining at? You got flown over too," I teased.
"Yes, but I had to share my plane with a lawyer." He shuddered. "And that man has no style."
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow. "Then why were you checking out his ass?"
A red blush slipped across his face. I'd caught him.
"I..."
"Would you like me to let him know there's a problem with the jet and he can't return until after the wedding?" I asked.
Enrique glanced away. I knew the answer was yes, even if he didn't want to say it out loud.
"Don't you need him to go about your business?"
His insincerity had me smiling. "It can wait a couple of days. That won't change anything." Most of it was meant to be carried out after the wedding anyway, I just wanted to get the boring bits out of the way before then.
"Yes. Delay him," Enrique blurted.
"Excellent. Then you have time to weave your magic on him. At least you'll have to get him undressed to style him properly," I joked.
"Surely that's not the kind of thing a nearly-Princess says," Enrique responded.
"Maybe not in the past, but this one does."
"Hmm."
"Yes?"
"I actually came here to see if you were ready for your fitting. But if you're not then..."
"I am," I replied, rising to my feet. "I've been ready for a while.
"Sure, sure."
He followed me out of the room and back towards the suite I now shared with Leo. Though he was gone for the day, it wouldn't do for him to see me in my dress before the wedding. It would break all kinds of traditions. Not that we hadn't already.
"How are you feeling?" Enrique clicked the door shut behind me and indicated towards my dressing room.
I stepped in and began stripping off my clothing. "I'm feeling good."
"You're really ready to become royal?"
"No. I'm ready to become Leo's wife. That's very different."
"Perhaps. But most wives don't become Queens at the end of the aisle."
"Neither will I." My eyes widened. I didn't like the Q-word. Princess I was alright with, Queen still freaked me out. "Besides I'll never be a Queen. Just a Queen-consort."
Enrique snorted but said nothing as he unzipped the garment bag holding my dress.
"Step," he instructed.
He helped draw the silky white fabric up my body. Nerves fluttered in my stomach. But they were friendly ones. I really was ready to become Leo's wife, even if it was after a whirlwind romance rather than a long courting period. But it was true what they said. I knew this was right in my heart, I didn't need to wait.
I itched to know what I looked like, but Enrique had thought to have the mirrors covered in here. No doubt he wanted me to get the full effect of his dress the first time around. I just had to be patient for a tiny bit longer.
"There. You can see yourself now."
With the most dramatic flair he was capable of, Enrique ripped the sheet from the mirror, revealing me to myself.
I gasped, not able to properly process what I was seeing. I looked like a Princess. A real Princess.
"I know. I'm a genius."
