She motions for me to sit and I obey, laying my hands on the table. Across from me Sarah does the same, her own stylist sitting across from her.
“This is Lizbeth,” she says, pointing to the younger woman.
“Hi Lizbeth, hi Kimma,” I say waving.
She waves back, taking another sip of tea.
The nails remain simple, a soft natural blush shade filed into perfect ovals. From there we move to hair, where I’m brushed and pinned and layered with product and finally rolled into wide curlers. While that’s drying, we move onto makeup, with Sarah directing at every step.
“Keep it natural,” she orders. “I want to be able to see her freckles. And let’s use a neutral shadow palate, maybe a touch of green to bring out the grey of her eyes. But not too much.”
My brows are plucked, my cheeks and forehead exfoliated then let to sit under a warm cloth. The makeup goes on quickly and is set with a finishing spray that smells like roses.
They let my hair down into wide, cascading waves, then brush it just a bit before twisting it into a loose bun at the back of my head. A few pieces are freed, framing my face in soft, rolling tendrils.
Only after all that is accomplished do I slide into the dress. Sarah’s own gown is royal blue, heavily beaded with a full skirt and lace trailing down her arms. It’s stunning in every way, managing to be both modest and commanding at the same time.
In the bathroom I trade my normal bra for some sort of adhesive clamshell device that Kimma hands me. I scoop and stick, tugging at until I get the placement just right.
“You sure this is going to stay put?” I call out.
“Relax, I use them all the time,” Sarah answers.
Kimma helps me slide into my dress, buttoning the collar before zipping me into it. The tailoring is perfect, as if the dress had been sewn directly onto my body at every curve. The only adjustment she made was at the back, adding a low dip that leaves my back fully exposed to the hips. It’s daring—bold—but not over the top.
“Beautiful,” Kimma decided, clasping her hands under her chin.
“Thank you, and Sarah, you look stunning.”
She spins, lifting the skirt at the sides. “It is a lovely gown. As usual, you’ve outdone yourself, Kimma.”
“How long do we have?” I ask, searching the room for the new phone I have yet to charge.
“About ten minutes to spare,” she smiles triumphantly. “Do you have any questions before I head out?”
“I do, actually.” Holding up the package, “I got this as a coronation gift for Aiden. Should I give it to him tonight or wait?”
“What is it?”
“A book. The Invisible Man, first edition.”
“Normally, I might suggest you wait, but seeing as we are looking to make an impression, go for it. That will buy you a little extra time for him to greet you anyway. But have Liam hand it to him, it might be considered a faux pas for a stranger to do it, but Liam can get away with it.”
“Do you always do that?” I ask, “Consider every possible angle?”
She nods, “Life at court is a game of chess, all moves and counter moves. Winning is more than just knowing the moves, it’s anticipating your opponent’s strategy and adjusting accordingly.”
“I’ve never been any good at chess,” I admit, a hand on my nervous stomach. “Tonight, I’ll settle for not falling on my face.”
Crossing the room, she takes my hands. “You are more than capable, you’re smart and brave and most important of all, you’re genuine. Every tool you require to succeed is already in your possession. I know all this must feel very overwhelming, but you have a strong support team in us and, I suspect, in Aiden. Trust us to have your back, but also trust yourself not to need us.”
She squeezes my hands and I take a deep, steadying breath.
Together we walk into the hall where other guests wait outside their doors. Liam is there with Tommy. Looking more regal than I’ve ever seen him, Tommy sports black suit pants and a formal military jacket, black and gold with red sash across his chest emblazoned with his house crest. Liam, by contrast wears a basic tuxedo with wide lapel and white bow tie. It’s similar to his earlier outfit, the only difference is the green square poking from his pocket, cut from the same material as my gown. Handing him the book, I step to his side.
“You should give it to him, from both of us,” I say.
Liam nods, “I’d be happy to.”
“We should go,” Sarah says, taking Tommy’s arm.
“See you on the other side,” Liam says, offering Tommy a quick fist bump.
Holding out his arm for me, I take it as gracefully as I can manage considering how badly my hands are shaking.
Aiden said he missed me, I remind myself. Today of all days, he reached out for me, I reason.
But the doubts assaulting my mind won’t be silenced. They roll, painfully, like marbles in my head. He’s ready to marry someone else, they whisper. He never wanted you to come or he would have invited you himself. You’re not good enough. You don’t deserve him. You’re nobody. You’re just going to embarrass yourself.
Before I realize it, we’re in the long line outside the door to the ballroom. Closing my eyes, I pinch the bridge of my nose, desperate to rid myself of the noise inside my head.
“You alright?” Liam asks.
Opening my eyes, I see his expression is worried. “You ever have that dream where you’re going to class, but when you show up you realize you forgot to get dressed and now you’re naked and everyone is pointing and laughing at you?”
His brow furrows, “I can’t say that I have.”
“That’s what this feels like,” I admit, feeling my cheeks flush. “What if he doesn’t want me?” I force the softest whisper from my mouth. “What if it was all in my head?”
Stepping in front of me, Liam takes me by the shoulders. “I want you to listen very close to this, because I’m only going to say it once.”
I expect him to chastise me, to tell me to suck it up. So much so that when he speaks again, the words force me back a half step.
“You don’t have to do this, Haven. You don’t have to be here, you don’t have to show your face. He’ll never know you came, he’ll never know about any of this. But if you care about him, if you think he’s worth fighting for, then I need you to fight. Otherwise, it’s better if you go home right now. No hard feelings, I’ll put you on a plane myself.”
His tone is firm, but caring. It’s my choice. It has to be. My love just has to be stronger than my fear.
Nodding once, I hold my arm up. Retuning to my side he raises his from below, forming our union.
“No turning back,” he whispers.
“No turning back,” I agree.
King Aiden
The line dwindles, but the process is achingly slow. When everyone else is inside, we wait at the door. The group before us is blocking Aiden from view and Liam raises a finger for the herald to wait a moment before announcing us. Finally, he nods and the chamber echoes.
“Mister Liam MacGregor and Miss Haven Sully,” the deep voice booms.
Forcing the muscles in my face to relax into a soft smile, we enter. The group in front of us moves on as we make our way toward Aiden. His eyes land on me at the same moment mine finally land on him. He’s so handsome, in his formal red jacket, blue sash, and the simple gold crown resting on his ebony hair.
It’s not black, I remember, but the shade of a raven’s feathers, both pitch dark and somehow shining with color.
He’s smiling, though if he’s surprised, he’s hiding it well. I can’t help but wonder if someone spilled the beans. Maybe Sarah or Tommy had warned him when they came in. Still, his eyes sparkle in the glow of the crystal chandeliers, and my breath catches in my chest, my heart stuttering.
“Your Majesty,” Liam says.
He bows and I curtsey as practiced.
“Your Majesty,” I say as I raise my chin.
He exhales, “Ha
ven, is it really you?”
I smile, hardly trusting my voice. “Congratulations, Aiden.”
He shakes head just a little, “What are you—” then he stops.
“Sarah’s proposal. I suppose she’s in on this too?” he asks, more amused than angry.
“Of course,” Liam says. “I had to get a jet from someone.”
We stare at each other for a long moment. The silence should be awkward, but it’s not. We’re just drinking in the proximity to each other.
“We brought you a gift,” I say finally.
Liam hands him the package. “It’s from Haven, actually. She picked it out. I told her we should get you one of those hats that hold two beers and has the big straw.”
With a smirk he rips open the paper, his fingertips tracing the embossed lettering on the cover.
“The Invisible Man,” he says.
“What else do you get for the King who has everything?” I ask.
He hesitates, his smile faltering. “Not everything.”
“Not yet,” Liam says.
“Thank you, for the most welcome gift.”
Holding out his free hand, he shakes Liam’s. Then, turning to me, he holds out his hand, palm up. I lay my hand in his, the warmth of his skin stealing my breath. He brings it to his lips, grazing a kiss across my knuckles.
“There’s so much I want to tell you,” Aiden begins.
“I know, me too.”
“Alright you two, save it for the dance. We should go,” Liam interjects, bowing again. “For now.”
“For now,” Aiden agrees, offering me one last, longing glance.
With that, I let Liam lead me away to join the others. Behind us the music strikes up and I swear I can feel Aiden’s eyes on my back, watching me as I move.
As soon as we reach Tommy and Sarah, she holds a champagne flute out to me and I take it, careful to sip it rather than to drown the entire glass the way my still fluttering heart demands.
Once I’m feeling relatively calm, I let Sarah lead me around, shaking hands and meeting people, all the while trying—and failing—to keep my gaze from sliding back to Aiden who is doing the same.
Liam stays with me, and the music begins playing, soft, languid violins and light, dancing flutes.
A knot forms in my stomach as I remember the last time I danced. Aiden and I in that tiny, dim restaurant.
The night I told him I didn’t know how to dance.
“Liam, would you dance with me?” I ask.
It’ll be good practice, and, of course, show Aiden that I’m more skilled than on our previous encounter.
He grins, setting our glasses on a nearby table. “It would be my pleasure.”
Leading me across the marble floor, he spins me lightly into his arms.
Together we sway, forward and back, side to side, effortlessly as we’d practiced. He spins me unexpectedly and I laugh as he catches me in his arms. Liam’s arms are strong, confident, as he glides me across the floor. Others join in the dance, but I focus on him, his hazel eyes dancing mischievously.
“What’s that look for?” I ask.
“What look?”
The corner of my mouth turns up, “You look like the cat that ate the canary.”
He grins, “I just realized that everyone in this room is watching us.”
My next step stutters, and he lifts me from my feet, spinning once with me in his arms before releasing me back to my feet.
“Relax,” he orders. “They’re just jealous.”
“Well if they wanted to dance with you, they should have asked first,” I say.
“Oh, I doubt it’s me they want to dance with. But I can’t say I’m surprised. You look stunning,” he offers.
“You clean up pretty well yourself.”
We dance a bit longer, the song ending with a final, dying note. Liam releases me back to Sarah and Tommy who continue making the rounds.
Forcing myself to focus, I connect names and faces, spouses and titles, making pleasant conversation.
“Yes, I’m from New York—not far from the United Nations building, in fact,” I offer pleasantly.
“How long will you be staying?” Lord Milton Darcey asks, his tone more than mildly curious.
“I’m not sure yet,” I say honestly. “But I hope to be here for at least a while. I haven’t seen such beautiful mountains in my life, and the people are so wonderful.”
He offers me a fresh glass of champagne and I accept.
“Pardon me,” an unmistakable voice cuts in.
Turning, I see Aiden and offer a quick curtsey as Milton bows.
“Your Majesty,” Lord Darcey offers graciously.
“I hate to interrupt, but I was hoping to ask our lovely guest for a dance,” he says, holding his hand out to me.
“I’d be delighted,” I say, laying my hand in his.
He leads me onto the floor, taking me in his arms.
“If I manage not to maul your feet this time, you can thank Liam. We’ve been practicing,” I say as we begin to move.
“How long have you been here?” he asks, his eyes locked on mine.
“Not long. A few days. I saw your coronation, I watched it with the kitchen staff.”
He shakes his head, “It’s been so strange. For weeks now, since I got home, really. It was like I could feel you nearby. I’d turn a corner and for a moment I could smell you. Laying in my bed at night, I’d close my eyes and I could swear I heard you breathing beside me. You’ve haunted me, Haven.”
“I felt it too, since you left. I thought everything would just go back to normal once you’d gone, but it just didn’t. It was as if everything changed for me when I met you. Is that crazy?” I ask.
He smiles and it sends a wave of warmth through me. “Not crazy at all.”
I bite at my lower lip. “Then, a few days ago, Liam shows up at my door. He told me everything. He said you were going to be King, and that you were going to have to marry a horrible she-demon.”
He barks a laugh, coughing to conceal it. “That sounds like something he would say.”
“So I decided to come. Maybe I just wanted to see you again, see if what I was feeling was real or if I’d just built it up in my head like some kind of dream.”
The smile falls from his lips as he spins me once before drawing me close again. “There are laws,” he begins, but I don’t let him continue.
“About who you can marry, yes. Sarah told me.”
He sighs, “Her motion to change them will not pass the council. I wish that it could. You have no idea how much I wish I was free to marry whomever I want.”
“I know, we knew it wouldn’t pass when she introduced it.”
“If you knew, then why? Why did you come?”
Looking down, I swallow the lump in my throat. “I heard about your mother. I’m so sorry. I wish I could have been here for you.”
“You were,” he whispers.
“Aiden,” I say softly. “I don’t want to be in this world without you. Whatever that means, I want you in my life. Always.”
He’s quiet for a moment. “I can’t decide if I’m glad you’re here or not. Seeing you, being this close to you, it makes everything better—but harder as well. Like having the thing you want most in the palm of your hand and not being able to hold onto it.”
The music ends and we stand still, hands still joined.
“Don’t give up on me yet, Aiden. Please,” I beg, wishing there was more time, wishing I could tell him everything, our whole plan.
“I could never,” he offers with a sad smile, releasing me and bowing. He leads me back to the group, holding his hand to Sarah next.
They stalk off and I take a deep breath, Liam eyeing me eagerly.
“Well?” he asks.
I shrug, opening my mouth to speak when an unfamiliar woman interrupts us. She’s in a tight red beaded gown, her dark hair twisted up the back of her head and slicked back in a perfect coif.
“Liam,” she say
s, her voice dripping with distain. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”
“Not if I can avoid it,” he says flatly, draining his flute of champagne.
She shoots him a glare, then plasters on a smile as she looks to me, holding out a hand. “I’m Lady St. Lauraunt, but please, call me Genevieve.”
I take her hand, shaking it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Haven Sully. Liam’s friend from New York.”
“Oh, well. What brings you to our little corner of the world, Haven?”
I motion around us, “The coronation, of course. And catching up with some friends. Your country is absolutely wonderful. Truly heaven on earth.”
“I’m sure it seems very pedestrian compared to the city.”
“Not at all. Besides the landscape, your history is fascinating. I’m thoroughly enjoying myself.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that. And, may I say, your dress is lovely. Is it vintage? I haven’t seen much velvet this season,” she says.
“It’s a Kimma Yee,” I say. “I’m not sure what season. But beauty never really goes out of style, does it?”
“So true,” she says, her gaze slipping back to Liam. “I hope Liam is being a good host.”
“You don’t need to talk about me like I’m not here,” he says gruffly.
Genevieve waves him off, “So surly. I do hope you find the rest of us more welcoming.”
Tilting my head, I wink at him. “I think it’s an excellent quality. You always know where you stand with a man like Liam. It makes you work that much harder to stand on his good side.”
“If you say so,” she says with a shrug. “Well, I do hope you can come for tea sometime soon. How long do you plan to stay?”
I motion to the dance floor, “Lady Norwood and I have some business, I expect I’ll be here for some time as we work out all the details.”
The flush that hits her cheeks is rewarding. I can almost see her connecting the dots in her head. To her credit, she recovers quickly.
“Excellent. I’ll send an invitation soon.”
“I look forward to it,” I say with a smile.
When she walks away Liam exhales as if he’s been holding his breath underwater.
“Well,” he says. “That was uneventful.”
Once Upon A New York Minute: Part 1 Page 12
