Chapter 229 - Crowning a Princess (1/2)
Cam giggled as she pulled up the elbow-length gloves while watching Jos tug at the long flowing sleeves of the ballgown for what had the be the hundredth time. ”You're going to rip the lace.” Cam chuckled, too overjoyed that her friend was allowed to be a part of such an important time in her life to care that the girl was about to rip off the entire sleeve of one of Cam's favorite dresses. Cam arched a brow as Jos began nervously rubbing invisible wrinkles from the dress's front. ”You don't have to be so nervous you know... The queen has extended her protection and support. Plus, you'll have Ales and I there by your side.”
Jos frowned, her attention still trained on straightening the already straight dress. ”It's not just that... I feel... so overdressed.” Her troubled eyes met Cam's. ”It doesn't suit me...”
Cam tilted her head. ”Jos... have you never worn a ballgown before?”
Jos shrugged. ”Not that I can recall... I've never had the occasion nor desire...”
Cam brushed away the handmaiden who had been styling her hair and pushed up from the dressing table. She walked over and took Jos's fumbling hands, bringing the girl's attention back up to meet hers. ”Jos, you have nothing to worry about. You look beautiful, though I have to admit I'd been surprised to see you still maintaining this youthful form after everything...” She squeezed Jos's hands reassuringly. ”You have been my dearest friend and have always accepted me as I am... My greatest wish for you is that someday you'll be able to accept yourself as completely.” She bent and placed a light kiss on Jos's cheek. Giving a playful shrug as she squeezed her hands again, Cam laughed. ”Besides, I'm going to look incredibly silly outside this island having a best friend who looks barely twelve.” Cam gave her a wink as she released her hands and walked back to the dressing table.
The commotion outside the bedroom brought both the girls' and maid's attention to the door. ”I belong here! The princess is expecting me so paws off!” Raven's voice boomed from outside. The door soon opened with Raven still arguing with the guards outside. ”Go sniff each other's butts ya bastards!” She turned her attention into the room as she slammed the door closed behind her. Spreading out her arms to show off her gleaming golden armor, she asked. ”Well, what do you think? I told you I could dress for the occasion myself!”
Cam and Jos both gawked in surprised confusion. ”Um... Raven... That's not exactly coronation attire...”
Raven frowned. ”And why not? I wore it to my own wedding, to a queen might I add.” She crossed her arms over the hard chest plate. ”This is the royal armor of the Light Fae.” She shrugged, ”Isha insisted I wear it to represent her court.” A deep blush crept up the fairy's dark neck and cheeks as she looked away. ”I suggested that she join, but apparently she's still pissed about certain things.” She sent Jos a 'but what can ya do' look as she shrugged again.
A light tap on the door ended the awkward conversation. ”The parade begins in ten minutes, Princess.” Ales pushed the door open and peeked inside. A warm smile curved his lips as he took her in for the first time. Her wide, floor-length gown matched his own outfit in both color and regal appeal. His mother had gone above and beyond to impress the many elite visitors they were expecting at the palace today. ”You look amazing.” He said as he walked into the room and directly to Cam with one hand still behind his back.
Cam was speechless as her eyes moved over him. He was always well dressed, but today he was simply breathtaking. His dark, blonde hair was tied up in a neat fashion. His uniform-like suit was a bright royal blue depicting the colors of the kingdom. Golden buttons, tassels, and a well-placed sash adorned the well-tailored suit making him look every bit the prince he was.
”I have something for you, for today...” He brought the box he'd been hiding behind his back around and lifted the lid. The bright sun from the window reflected off what had to be hundreds of diamonds. His smile widened with the sudden inhales of Cam and the maid standing off to her side. He set the box on the dressing table and lifted the necklace from the box. ”Turn around and I'll latch it.”
Cam nodded as she quickly turned. She could feel the heat creep into her cheeks as he leaned close over her shoulder and rested the necklace against her chest. She rested her gloved hand against it, holding it in place as he latched it. ”Thank you.” She whispered, catching the amused smile of Raven from the corner of her eyes.
Ales spun her back around to face him. Studying her, he whispered. ”Beautiful.” He bent and gave her a light kiss on the cheek. ”I'll wait for you by the carriage. He nodded a greeting to Raven and Jos as he left the room. ”Glad you could make it.” He said as he pulled the door open and tossed them all a charming smile, his eyes trailing over Cam in appreciation one last time before he vanished.
Cam bounced in excitement as she quickly made her way over to Jos and Raven, giving the dressing mirror one last glance before grabbing their arms and hurrying toward the door. ”I'm so excited! I haven't seen my parents since the winter holiday!”
Raven glanced over at Jos with a chuckle as the excited werewolf tugged them through the hallways of the palace. ”Look at it this way, if the crowds turn on you... you'll go out beautifully.” She winked to the terrified Jos.
Cam glared at Raven from over her shoulder. ”Stop teasing! It will be fine. No one will dare say anything to her as long as she's protected by the royal family.” When Jos and Raven both sent her a skeptical look, some of her excitement and certainty faded away. ”If you feel too uncomfortable, I'll not be upset if you leave early. All I ask is that you at least give the people a chance to see the real you.”
Jos gave a sheepish nod, even though she could feel a building weight deep within her body continue to increase the closer to the front of the palace that they came. With each step toward the open balcony area overlooking the massive staircase of the front entrance, the more magnificent the decor became... and the more voices could be heard. As they neared the top landing of the second-story stairs, Jos tugged her hand free. ”You should go down first. We will follow at an appropriate distance.”
Cam arched her brows and pursed her lips. ”Fine, but if you haven't begun descending by the time I reach the fourth step, I'm turning and coming back here to drag you down.”
Jos swallowed hard. ”I promise.” With that Cam gave her a bright smile and turned to begin her descent.
Raven watched as the princess became distracted waving to several of the guests below. ”As amusing as all this is, I don't understand why you let her boss you around and play dress up. You're a demi-god for f.u.c.ks sakes, and an old ass one!” She watched as Jos's worried eyes followed the young wolf's descent. Puffing out a breath. ”Alright, I'll give it to you, she's never boring. A welcomed change to this island, but still?!”