Page 289 of Naughty Nelle

CHAPTER 35

“Ican’t do this!” I tell Armando. The Emperor has transformed back to himself, and we’re about to make our grand entrance into Midas’s palace.

“I’m not even invited,” I add, my blood pounding in my veins.

“Dahling, stop worrying. I’m on the A-list. And you’re my guest.”

The ball is in full swing. It’s a glittering spectacle with everyone who’s anyone in Lalaland. I marvel at how it’s all come together, thanks in large part to me. Searching the crowd, I spot the Queen of Hearts mingling with King Midas; Cinderella sharing champagne with Prince Charming; and Calla frolicking with Lady Jane. Missing in action are Marcella and The Prince.

“Seriously, I can’t do this,” I whisper to Armando as we step onto the red carpet.

“Dahling, relax. Just stay in the zone. Head high and tummy in.”

The Emperor interlocks his arm with mine. In my six-inch heels, I tower over him. I nervously play with my mirrored locket with my other hand.

A chorus of trumpets blows announcing our arrival. My stomach muscles clench.

“Royal Ladies and Gentlemen, the distinguished fashion designer Emperor Armando and his guest…”

“The faaabulous Jane Yvel,” bellows The Emperor.

The crowd gasps. I smile halfway. My confidence soars when I see Calla jumping up and down and waving at me. She blows me a magical kiss. A big smile spreads across my face. I can do this!

All eyes are on me as we do the walk. The Emperor, loving every minute of this spectacle, blows kisses to his adoring fans. He was right. They’re all buzzing about my dress.

Without warning, my heart skips a beat, and I almost trip. Straight ahead of me is a vision in red. Marcella! And beside her, The Prince.

Gallant’s eyes connect instantly with mine. He jerks his arm free from Marcella’s grip and steps away. “Where do you think you’re going?” shrieks the PIW.

Ignoring her, Gallant strides up to me. My heart flutters; my body trembles; my legs wobble. Thank goodness, The Emperor is holding me up.

The Prince clasps my hands and gently draws me close to him. In my six-inch heels, we’re face to face. He gazes at me with his blue eyes, more vibrant than ever, and breaks into that dazzling smile.

“Jane, you look beautiful.”

I’m tingling all over. For the first time in my life, I feel beautiful.

“Thank you, My Lord.” I curtsey before him, one hand still in his.

He lifts my hand to his lips and tenderly kisses the back of it. My heart leaps to my throat.

And then it sinks to my stomach as Marcella lurches toward us in her three sizes too small shoes. Her twenty-foot train trails behind her, collecting dust along the way.

“What the hell is she doing here?” she asks Gallant.

“Language, language,” scolds The Emperor. He inspects Marcella’s ill-fitting gown and shakes his head side to side. “Dahling, you should have gotten the Size 12.”

Marcella’s jaw drops to her cleavage and doesn’t move as The King makes an announcement.

“I want to thank all you all for being here tonight for this very special evening. Instead of gifts, my son, Prince Gallant, has requested you make a donation to a special cause that is close to my wife’s heart and mine…”

Aghast, Marcella elbows The Prince. “But I registered for a palace full of stuff! You know how much I wanted that monogrammed silver chalice for my Liquid Diet….”

“Faraway!” The King says proudly.

Faraway?

Midas continues. “By supporting this venerable institution, you will make a difference in someone’s life.”

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