Page 20 of A Royal Obligation

Rory and Judith shared a knowing look. “That is a lovely choice,” Judith said. Rory helped Jules get into the gown while Judith set up her alterations area near the floor-length mirrors.

Jules stepped out and gasped as she caught her reflection. Her black hair contrasted perfectly with the deep red color of the dress. It already fit her almost perfectly. It was a beautiful, satin material covered in beaded appliqués that formed an elaborate design from her shoulder to just below her waist. The back of the dress formed an upside-down triangle flaunting her backbones before forming a beautiful skirt that fell in panels around her.

Jules held her hand to her mouth as Rory pulled her hair back, allowing her to see all the details. “This is definitely it,” Judith announced, already getting to work on the dress. “I only have to alter it a few inches. But, honey, this dress fits you like a glove otherwise.”

Jules made some small talk with Rory and Judith while they worked away over the dress, jewelry, and hair details for the night. Rory worked her magic and managed to put Jules’s hair into a low, elegant updo, leaving a few stray pieces down by her ears and making her bangs fall perfectly. She also did her makeup including a deep wine lipstick. Jules wanted to keep the jewelry simple and opted for some gold dangly earrings.

Once Judith had finished her alterations on the skirt of the dress, she stepped back to examine her handiwork.

Jules turned around to look at herself in the dress again. “I can’t believe they had these dresses sitting around.”

Jules saw the seamstress’ eyes turn misty.

“Is everything all right, Judith?”

“Oh, yes,” she said, swiping away the tears from her eyes with a tissue from her bag. “Don’t mind me.”

“That dress was meant for you, Jules.” Rory said as she walked over to Judith and patted her hand.

“I’m still nervous, but it would be a shame to let a dress this beautiful go to waste.” Her shoulders relaxed and she nodded. “Okay, ladies, it’s time for me to go to the ball.”

Chapter Nine

Barrett

“Dude,Icanfeelyour nerves from here. You need to chill.” Liam nudged him with his shoulder. But Barrett couldn’t relax knowing that he was going to have to dance with Charlotte, Jules, and likely other women tonight.

Will I embarrass myself in front of Charlotte? Speaking of Charlotte, where is she? And where is Jules?Barrett glanced at his watch to see that they were five minutes late.Why are women always late?

Barrett turned to his dad, worried about his health in all of this commotion.

“How are you feeling tonight, Father? Are you sure you’re up for this?” he asked.

“I’m not a delicate little daisy. I can stand on my feet for a few hours.” The king turned around and started a conversation with Liam.

Barrett tried to push his worries aside as he looked around taking in the scene before him. Many people were already standing underneath the large crystal chandeliers. Big white pillars lined the side walls that led to a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows on the far side of the room. The large windows let in the night sky; the moonlight bounced off the white marble floor and covered the space with a nighttime glow. A string quartet sat in a corner of the room, prepared to play a large selection of classical music that would make the evening feel even more elegant.

His eyes scanned the ballroom again, taking note of those in attendance. Palace guards were placed around the perimeter, and the room bustled with fellow royals dressed in their finest tuxes, gowns, and jewelry. Barrett found the attire a little bit excessive for his taste.

Barrett, Liam, and his father each wore their ceremonial suit, which was a white suit with a cross body sash that held all the medals they had gained over the course of their lives. Barrett’s consisted of things like a medal for community service and for loyalty to the kingdom. Their attire looked similar to military dress uniforms royals from other kingdoms often wore, but royalty in Wistonia were not required to complete military service. Luckily, his father didn’t make him wear his crown tonight. He didn’t need to hold any more weight on his shoulders this evening.

He clenched his fists as he saw Viscount Stephen Howard sulking in a corner talking to his cousin, Prince James. James was more vulnerable after the passing of his parents the year prior, and Barrett hoped Lord Howard’s sliminess wouldn’t rub off on his cousin.

Barrett would make sure to avoid Lord Howard at all costs. There was no point in creating a scene or dealing with whatever nonsense he would surely spout. He didn’t know how Lord Howard had come to have his father wrapped around his finger, but removing that man from a position of power was at the top of his list of things he wanted to do when he became king. No one should be able to go above the law, especially not a crooked man like Lord Howard.

Barrett saw some other royal families from neighboring countries that he made a mental note to speak more in-depth with. He was always surprised at how many people attended these events that were thrown at the last minute. But his father sure knew how to throw a good party.

An enticing smell from his right drew Barrett’s attention to the food stations. His father had gone all out for this ball. The smell of savory, grilled meat pulled his eyes to one table that was covered with every meat imaginable. It was followed by a station of side dishes from different roasted vegetables to pastas and more. The dessert table, overflowing with a plethora of sweets, was what really caught Barrett’s eye. He sniffed again and the smell of sugary, fried pastries made his mouth water.

Chef Lorenzo, their head baker, must have known Barrett would need a pick-me-up tonight because the table was filled with all his favorites. Scones, pies, cupcakes, cream puffs, eclairs, and more were piled high. Before Barrett could make his way over to satisfy his sweet tooth, his head jerked up at the sound of an attendant beginning to make an announcement.

“Presenting Lady Charlotte of Findorra.”

Charlotte stepped through the doors on the second floor, stopping at the top of the marble staircase to allow the ball goers to take in her appearance. She was wearing a gold ballgown that flattered her curves yet was still modest. She smiled as her eyes connected with Barrett’s, and she glided down the staircase as if she was walking on clouds.

He looked over at his family to gauge their reactions. His father was watching Charlotte descend the stairs with approving eyes. Liam’s face was one of admiration.

Admired. Check.

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