The Rogue Prince by Elise Marion

Author:Elise Marion [Marion, Elise]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-01-14T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

T he following morning, Esmeralda stood in Princess Isabelle’s dressing room, watching as the bride studied herself in a full-length mirror. She looked like an angel in her wedding ensemble, enveloped in white satin and lace, her white-blond hair arranged into an elaborate coiffure of slender braids and spiral curls. Esmeralda helped the princess’ maid fasten a sheer veil over her hair and lower it into place until it swept the floor behind her.

“You look stunning,” she said. “Lionus will have a difficult time keeping his composure when he sees you.”

“That’s the idea,” Isabelle replied with a giggle, turning to face her. “Oh, thank you so much for standing up with me. I know we haven’t been friends for very long, but I feel as if I’ve known you my whole life. You truly are the best friend I’ve ever had.”

Esmeralda clasped Isabelle’s outstretched hands and held them tight. “I feel the same way. I am honored to stand beside you today.”

“Who knows?” said Isabelle with another giggle. “Perhaps someday you and Damien will wed, and we will be sisters-in-law.”

When she did not respond, Isabelle turned slowly and studied her face. Esmeralda’s lips fought a smile, but she felt as if she might burst from trying to contain it. Isabelle gasped, gloved hands coming up over her mouth.

“He didn’t!”

“He did,” she confessed, her smile widening. “Last night at the masquerade ball, in the garden. I suppose Damien will tell Lionus and the others soon. We went to the king, and he has already given us his blessing.”

“Oh, it must have been so romantic,” Isabelle said with a sigh. “This is exciting. We are going to be sisters.”

The two embraced, and Esmeralda clung to Isabelle, a bit of the former anxiety rearing its head. It proved easy to forget her reservations when in Damien’s presence, but seeing the evidence of what it took to plan a royal wedding once again had her questioning her place here, among these people.

“I will need your help, Isabelle,” she said as they pulled apart. “I do not know the first thing about being a princess.”

“Sure you do,” Isabelle countered. “You are kind and gracious—two things already working in your favor. The rest can be learned. Truly, you have nothing to worry about.”

She wasn’t so certain, but now was not the time dwell on it.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” she murmured, opening her reticule and retrieve the item she had stashed there for the bride. “A gift from my grandmother.”

She produced a small vial, holding it out to the princess.

Isabelle opened the tiny bottle and sniffed, smiling at the heady fragrance that drifted up. “Perfume?”

“Grandmother made it herself. It’s a special blend. She said it was for your wedding night. It is meant to attract the groom.”

“In that case I’d better put it on right now!” Isabelle said with a laugh, dabbing the sweet smelling oil on her wrists.

“Not too much!” Esmeralda exclaimed. “It is very potent. We wouldn’t want Prince Lionus trying to lay you over a table at the reception.

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