Bride To His Darkness
Chapter 239: Royal Garb Selection

Chapter 239: Royal Garb Selection

Samantha’s heart raced as she approached the opulent boudoir, her steps echoing softly on the marble floor. She has never visited the boudoir as it was a private quarter reserved mainly for ladies of the royalty, including those of the highest esteem, and making her way there all of a sudden, it was natural for her to feel anxious about it. She could feel her palms sweat, whilst she held onto her flowing gown so she wouldn’t trip.

The intricate golden filigree designs on the heavy wooden doors seemed to dance with a soft candlelight, casting warm, flickering shadows that played tricks with her eyes. As though her inner turmoil was sensed, Lucy, who walked behind her, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and she had no idea how her presence was Samantha’s only comfort at the present moment– however, Lucy saw no need for her to feel pressured as she had the highest nobility rank amongst the women she will meet.

"You will be fine." Lucy encouraged her friend who could feel her confidence returning.

Samantha’s golden-blonde hair shimmered in the gentle glow, her emerald green eyes held a mixture of curiosity and nervous excitement as Lucy opened the door for her to have a look at the boudoir. The room itself was a vision of elegance, draped in sumptuous silks and velvet, with large windows adorned with rich, heavy curtains that spilled to the floor. The air smelled pleasantly of floral perfumes, Jasmine, rose, and when she picked on the scent of lavender, it reminded her of a particular vampire.

’I wonder if he’ll come.’ Samantha hopefully thought to herself.

When she entered the boudoir with Lucy, they were met with a chorus of gasps and hushed whispers, whilst Samantha failed to hold back a surprised gasp herself. Several dressmakers were in the midst of preparing an array of wedding attire fit for a Queen. Gowns in every shade of white, silver, and pale gold were strewn across mannequins and ornate settees, capturing Samantha’s attention. The dresses were embellished with delicate laces, intricate beading and shimmering Jewel.

"Wow!" Lucy whispered her fascination at the glamorous sight before her.

The dressmakers, who had their measuring tapes draped around their neck like regal sashes, curtsied as Samantha entered. Their eyes sparkled with anticipation at her regal presence, and they couldn’t contain their excitement at the prospect of dressing a future Queen.

"Welcome, Lady Samantha." Said the head dressmaker as she moved forward, a woman with a crown of silver hair that cascaded in soft waves. "We have thoroughly prepared a selection of gowns for every moment of your wedding with His Majesty. Would you like to have a look at them?"

"Yes." Samantha politely answered the woman before allowing her gaze to sweep over the stunning array of dresses, each more magnificent than the last. When she moved closer to have a look at the dresses, she was immediately overwhelmed by the choices and the artistry that had gone into creating them.

"They are all so beautiful," she murmured, her fingers trailing over the exquisite fabrics. She remembered when she once told Ivan during a dance that such outfits never bothered her as a youngster, since she had a family to cater for, but that was a blatant lie. There were times when she went out to work, she would stop and admire the pretty dresses in shops for some second, hoping that one day she will be able to wear the type of dresses her mates were wearing but..... she never had the money to afford them– who knew a day would come when she would be asked to choose from dresses that where even better than the ones she once admired?

"They are amazing." She commented.

Lucy, who sensed her emotional friend was about to tear up, tapped the lady’s shoulder lightly, whilst snapping her out from her trance, and when Samantha looked at her new maid, Lucy offered her a charming smile with smiling eyes. Samantha returned her smile, gaining her resolve once more, and she was grateful for Lucy’s presence in this overwhelming sea of luxury.

Nearby, a group of esteemed ladies from different Kingdom’s, their dresses adorned with intricate embroidery, watched with keen interest. One of the ladies approached Samantha, her eyes filled with warmth and curiosity, and when Samantha noticed the princess, a smile dawned on her lips.

"Princess Mallory, you’re here too."

"I have to be here," she answered amicably, "everyone wishes to extend their congratulations to you, and the ladies you see here will honor your presence during the wedding, that includes me. Please do not feel pressured at all, we are only here to support and... we might as well pick a few dresses from the other section." She pointed at the other section that had glamorous outfits, but they were nothing compared to the ones that had been specially laid out for her.

"O– oh, I see, Thank you Princess Mallory." With the both of them exchanging a bow, Mallory returned to the other ladies while Samantha continued to explore the boudoir with all the dressmakers paying her more attention, just in case she needed anything, and their mindfulness to her every move bothered her. Unbeknownst to Samantha, Ivan had given them a strict warning before they stepped into the Palace, that they treat his woman with utmost care, like an egg, he wanted no complaints, else he would have their heads on a rotten platter, and that was a forewarning experience neither wanted to encounter.

As Samantha continued to browse through the exquisite fabrics, her excitement was soon eclipsed by a conversation she heard behind a heavy brocade curtain. Hushed whispers floated through the air as Samantha’s ears caught the words of some esteemed ladies. They were perched on a settee nearby, their disdainful voices dripping with condescension as they judged her.

"Can you believe it? Lady Penelope? Samantha is but a commoner, and yet she’s to be wed to our King. Shouldn’t this be considered as a mark of stigmata? It has never happened before."

"Oh, My dear Lady, one would think she’d have the grace to decline the offer. She’ll never fit in with our aristocratic ways." Replied Penelope whose haughty eyes secretly looked in the way of Samantha.

"I agree, I also heard she was once a former Courtesan, that whorehouse His Majesty recently burnt down... I heard she was bought from there."

"It’s scandalous, no less. I feel his Majesty deserves better."

Samantha’s cheeks flushed with a mixture embarrassment and anger, her once happy mood destroyed by the comments about her, whilst her hands balled at her sides. She glanced at Lucy, who gave her an encouraging nod, persuading her to shut them up, and Samantha knew in the lifestyle she was about to step into, she would need to learn in different ways how to handle this women, and it seems her lesson starts now.

"Ladies," Samantha made her way towards the settee where the young women sat, her voice resolute, "your voices carry rather well in here. I couldn’t help but overhear your concerns."