Chapter 190 - Best Gift (1/2)

Even after Isaac’s visit to the palace, Elena remained busy with further preparations. Not only did she have to work out the details of the date, but she was taking painstaking care to select her dress tonight, far more than with any party or event so far.

Elena turned to Mary, who was helping her with her fitting.

“How about this? Does this look alright?”

“Of course. All of the dresses you tried so far are beautiful.”

“I’m glad that they are…”

Elena peered at herself in the mirror.

“…but tonight I want a look that can’t easily be forgotten.”

Carlisle complimented her every day for looking beautiful, but tonight she wanted to give him a memory that years from now he would remember with stunned appreciation.

Mary gave a quiet smile.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so meticulous, Your Highness. You seem even more nervous than the wedding.”

“Do you think so?”

“Yes. Are you looking forward to going on your date?”

Elena’s cheeks colored. She couldn’t bring herself to deny it. It was the first time she and Carlisle would go out together since she realized her feelings for him.

“Is it that obvious? That’s embarrassing…”

Mary’s smile widened at Elena’s honest words. It wasn’t often that she saw Elena look this happy.

“Why? Wouldn’t you prefer to be more honest with the Crown Prince?”

“I do have something to tell him tonight.”

She couldn’t say to Mary that she was in love, as the maid long believed they were already so. Elena continued, pointing to another dress on a hanger.

“I’ll try that on, too.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Mary picked up the dress Elena indicated. For the first time in Elena’s life, she experienced the dissatisfaction of being unable to choose what to wear, and went through a dozen dresses before making a final selection. After finishing with hair and makeup, she looked around and studied herself in the mirror again.

‘I wish a were a little prettier…’

It would have been a shocking statement to anyone who would have heard her say that. Her flowing golden hair, clear skin, and ruby eyes would turn anyone’s head. She had almost a doll-like perfection to her, but Elena had never paid much attention to her appearance before. However, love could make one do anything. She wanted to be the most beautiful person in the world to Carlisle’s eyes.

Mary approached her from behind and spoke.

“The Crown Prince has arrived.”

“Very well.”

She surreptitiously tucked the ring box away and stepped out.

Ttogag ttogag—

As the couple were not going on official imperial business, their departure was a quiet affair. Carlisle stood in front of a plain carriage waiting for Elena, but he himself looked so handsome that even an ordinary vehicle somehow seemed luxurious.

“Caril.”

Carlisle looked up, his blue eyes widening when he spotted her. His gaze was fiery as she approached, and when she arrived he spoke in a husky voice.

“You’ll make things more difficult for me if you become any more beautiful.”

“…?”

“What if I want no one else to look at you?”

Elena smiled gently at the possessive longing in his words.

“You don’t have to worry what other people see. You already said that I was yours.”

For a moment, Carlisle froze. Then he burst out laughing, covering his forehead with his hand.

“…My wife dominates me more and more.”

However, Elena didn’t hear him clearly.

“Hm? What did you say?”

“Nothing. I’m looking forward to tonight.”

He chuckled and held out his hand to escort Elena to the carriage. As she took his hand, Elena ran the schedule in her head again and became even more excited with anticipation. Tonight, she would give him a ring and confess to him the true feelings of her heart. Carlisle would smile warmly at her, and say there was nothing more he could wish for.

Carlisle safely escorted Elena into the carriage before boarding himself. He took his seat, then looked at her with tender eyes.

“Where to?”

“First, let’s go to the opera house.”

*

*

*

Elena and Carlisle were seated together in a box at the opera house. It was intimate, luxurious, and—most of all—private.

As the opening performance began, Elena opened her mouth to speak in a soft voice.

“This performance is the same one I saw with my mother when I went to the opera for the first time.”