Page 41 of Bride By Coronation

I softly laugh. "It's okay. I just thought it would be nice to know your name."

"It's Vaughn," he offers.

"That's a great name."

"It is?"

"Absolutely!"

He blushes. "Thank you, ma'am. I look forward to the day I can call you queen."

I arch my eyebrows, stunned by this entire encounter.

He rushes past me and calls out, "Have a great evening." He exits my apartment, closing the door behind himself.

I turn and assess the packages, then realize I'm still holding theenvelope. I debate opening it, then set it down, unzip a garment bag, and pull out a long, form-fitting wedding gown.

My stomach flips.

Is this really happening?

"I'm not wearing that," I mutter, holding the bright-white dress with a lacy floral design. I set it down and open the next bag. To my surprise, it's another one, only more wrong for me.

This one has way too much tulle and is also bright white. There's so much I'm sure I'd get lost under it.

"Is this all they can do for a queen?" I sarcastically mumble, then unzip the third bag. I pull out the dress and freeze, unable to take my eyes off it.

I've never seen anything so unique. The intricate placement of crystals and pearls is fabulous, and the lace is soft, which means it's top-of-the-line and hand-sewn. There's a dove on the corset. Best of all, it's a creamy white, hinting toward gold.

For several moments, I run my fingers over the bodice, studying every unique part of the design.

"So couture," I praise, continuing to talk to myself.

I glance at the tag, trying to see who the designer is, but it only reads in a script font, Queen Fiona.

I carefully set it down and then look inside the other dresses. The others have no labels on them.

Queen.

I'm dreaming this entire situation.

No, I'm having a nightmare.

I glance at the dove dress and can't stop my smile.

At least I'll look amazing.

I open another garment bag, and my heart races faster. It's another fabulous piece of fashion, but this time, in the form of lingerie. I slide my fingers over the tiny flecks of gold and blue, admiring the piece.

He thinks he's going to fuck me.

He's not.

"You've got a lot of balls, thinking you're going to touch me," I scold the king, even though he can't hear me.

I'm going to have to change my morals and become a cheater. There's no way I'm not having sex for the rest of my life, and I'm not letting that man touch me. I don't care if he's the king or not.

I put the lingerie next to the dress and then sit down. I pick up the white box, carefully remove the gold bow, and open the lid.

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