Page 90 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“Thank you,” Elena said as she rose and crossed to the dress. “It is time, Caroline.”

“I am pleased to say I am not managing this alone. Ladies, let’s ready the dress.”

With the long train and princess skirt, it took three of them to wrangle the dress up and around Elena while Caroline fastened it. Another attendant scurried around her, removing rollers to finalize her hairstyle while the seamstress made the final fit checks.

Elena stared into the mirror as her look took shape. From the fitted bodice overlaid with an intricate lace pattern across the shoulders and sleeves to the subtle sweetheart neckline, her dress was a mix of contemporary elegance and tradition.

Caroline finished fastening the row of delicate, fabric-covered buttons trailing down her waist before she fluffed the full skirt that extended into a long, flowing train.

An attendant worked to steam out any last wrinkles as they opened her bedroom doors to extend it.

With her simple hairstyle complete, Caroline situated the tiara and the silk tulle veil onto her head, adjusting the lace trim that matched her dress.

“Oh, Elena,” her mother’s voice said from the hall, “you look stunning.”

Elena twisted to eye her mother, wearing an emerald green evening gown with a fur capelet. “Thank you, Mother.I only need my capelet which I am glad to have ordered given the snow.”

“It will look quite lovely in the photographs.”

“Some of which we should take now,” Caroline announced. “Your Majesty, if you would.”

After endless adjustments to the dresses, the women posed for several photographs.

“All right, Your Highness, the next ones will be with your bridal party,” Caroline announced. “They should be along any minute.”

“No, the next ones will be with you,” Elena said as she waved her over.

“That is not appropriate, Your Highness.”

Elena shook her head. “It is absolutely appropriate. I insist. Now, quickly before they must readjust again.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Caroline stepped next to her to pose with a nervous smile with the bride.

“Lovely,” Elena said. “You are an important part of my world, Caroline. You should be in my wedding photographs.”

Her mother stepped closer as the photographer fiddled with his camera, awaiting the other members of the party to arrive. “How are you feeling, darling?”

“Ready to get married,” she answered. “I told Caroline I should have eloped.”

“Royal weddings are quite a fuss. I remember mine all those years ago.”

“Was it this much fuss? I feel as though your pictures made it seem quite settled.”

Queen Sophia laughed. “Oh, it was anything but. And I had only met your father a handful of times before we married.”

“How awkward,” Elena said with a wrinkle of her nose. “You must have been ready to throw yourself from the balcony.”

“No, he was very charming, and very handsome, which made things easier. My father, of course, did not care for him, but our arrangement had been made.”

“Grandfather did not like Father?” Elena asked, her voice incredulous.

“No, he didn’t. I could have married another royal, you know? He wondered if I would have preferred it.”

“And would you have?” Elena asked.

“No, he was quite a cad, that one. I’m very pleased with my choice to stay the course and marry your father as intended.”

Elena pressed her lips together, her features wrinkling. “Do you think I will be very pleased later in life?”

---