Volumes of the Vemreaux Complete Collection: A Dystopian Adventure Trilogy, page 99
“Um, don’t I need a bra?” Blue asked uncomfortably as Suzette’s phone rang.
A secretive smile softened Suzette’s features as a male voice greeted her. “You’re calling me,” she remarked, clearly pleased. She glanced up at Blue to answer her. “Nope. It would show through the dress.”
“What do you…oh!” Panic lit Blue from the inside as she glanced down to see that the lace left whole bits of her skin exposed through the sheer material. The lace appliqués that covered her were butterflies and elegant birds. The ethereal wings enveloped her most private areas on her torso, but only just, and not enough for her liking.
The skirt – skirts – were several layers of delicate lace that fell to the scar on the top of her calf, offering it safe haven from the many cameras Sam warned her about. The jagged neckline kissed the edge of her shoulders. A strategically placed bird’s wing reached up from the bodice to conceal the bullet wound she did not wish to have the press photograph, especially since the story they spun was that Brody alone was shot.
A few lace hummingbirds stuck out at her sleeves, fluttering as she moved her arms to test the mobility of the garment. The barcode was well-hidden, as were the red marks she gave her arms.
Blue was so nervous that she choked out a laugh when Suzette ended her phone call and opened the box with her footwear in it. “Flats? You’re letting me wear flat shoes?”
“You earned it. Thought you’d been through enough.” The princess knelt down and slipped the comfortable white shoes on her new sister’s feet.
“You’re just afraid I’ll trip and ruin the dress.”
“Well, there’s that, too.” Suzette stood and disrobed, wiggling into the gown she made. It was a pale pink with gold trim, cut to the same length as Blue’s skirt. “So, that was your brother on the phone.”
“Baird called you? That’s weird.”
“Is it?”
“Um, yeah. He doesn’t like talking on the phone. What’d he want?”
Suzette smiled softly. “He was just calling to make sure we’re okay up here. It’s a big day for you both.”
Blue eyed her sister skeptically. “Huh. Baird doesn’t care about me. I mean, unless there’s a threat I’ll go dark or something. What’s going on?”
“Nothing. And your brother does care about you.” Suzette glanced over to Blue guiltily. “I had a nice, long talk with Elle, and she gave me the green light. Would it bother you if…” she began, but then shook her head. “Never mind.” She called to the shut door. “O, you can come in now.” Suzette motioned for the woman to button up her pink gown.
O adorned the girls with their jewelry. Suzette chose three rings, a necklace and seven gold bracelets. Blue wore Sam’s blue diamond necklace that always made her heart flutter when she looked at it.
O adjusted and prodded until both girls were pinnacles of perfection. “My tiara,” Suzette reminded the stylist.
O opened the revered box and let out a gasp. “Don’t worry, girls. There’s been a mix-up. This isn’t the right one, Princess. They must have confused yours with Blue’s. I’ll get it sent over immediately.”
“No, no.” Suzette sauntered over to the box with a lock on it and pulled out the small crown. “This is the right one.” She turned to face Blue as a confused O pinned the elaborate gold to her ornately styled hair. The princess reached out to hold Blue’s hands. “I’m wearing Julia’s tiara because she would have wanted to be here for this. She should be represented with all of us. And because my Christmas gift to you is that you’ll be crowned with my tiara. It’s yours now, and I didn’t pay for it, so it counts for our Christmas gift exchange.” She smiled as Blue’s mouth fell open. “We’re the only two princesses in the world now. Of all the people I could share this with, I’m glad it’s you. I love you so much.”
Too many protests bubbled up inside of Blue. Too many reasons why Suzette should not waste such a grand gesture on her. Her own gift for the princess was nothing by comparison, and she felt ashamed at its modesty when measured against this amazing kindness.
Instead of pushing the benevolence away, Blue recalled Sam’s instructions on what to do when given a gift. “Thank you, Suzette. I love you, too.” As soon as Blue said it, she realized the truth of the words. Loyalty burned deep through her body, scorching where the two were still joined at their hands. “Thank you. I…thank you.” The woman before her looked back with complete adoration. Blue could scarcely understand how the affection had grown so strong between the two in such a short time. “I never even thought to hope for someone as incredible as you to be my…mine. I’ll protect you with my life, you know.”
I know, Suzette mouthed.
O cleared her throat to bring the girls back to the world. “Now remember everything you learned in your lessons. Show me your walk.”
With chin level to the ground and a pleasant, bland smile on her face, Blue walked evenly across the room without once looking down at her feet. “Perfect,” O praised. “Now, the cars are waiting, so let’s go.”
O opened the door, revealing a very anxious Sam and a professional-looking Alec. “The princesses are ready to be escorted down.”
Suzette took Alec’s arm and walked out of the room. “You look lovely, Suzie.”
“You can’t call me Suzie when I’m dressed like this. I’m not five anymore.”
“No. You certainly are not, Princess.” The two exchanged a smirk as they made their way down the stairs.
Suzette spotted Baird sitting at the counter in the suit she picked out. Her heart fluttered, but she tried to keep her cool. “Don’t you look handsome.”
“Are you making fun of me?” Baird questioned, tugging at the suit jacket.
Dropping Alec’s arm, Suzette moved over to the churlish Wayward. She had too many provocative lines stored up, but recalled Baird’s words of warning a few weeks back to behave like a princess and let her loveliness speak for itself. It was an adjustment, but over time, she was starting to see a difference in how she was treated by men at the clubs she frequented. Her smile was more natural, and she finally started to ignore the berating voices in her head (that always managed to sound like her mother).
“Stand up, Baird.” With gentle fingers, Suzette adjusted his shirt and straightened his tie.
Baird hunched his shoulders and tried not to inhale the princess’ expensive perfume. He made every effort not to look at the curls that teased the crown that reminded him how different they were. Baird obstinately looked off to the side to avoid Suzette’s beguiling eyes staring up at him as she smoothed out the breast of his jacket. His breath drew in and out unevenly, and he prayed she would not take notice.
“Turn around,” she instructed in a business-like tone.
Baird was trying so hard to remain indifferent to her that he missed her words.
“Baird?”
“Um, what? Did you say something?” He looked down into the deep black eyes that just a month ago shown with bawdy pride. Now when she met his gaze, he could see real beauty that was difficult to resist.
“Turn around.” She tugged at the hem of the jacket after he obeyed to be sure it hung straight, and brushed her dainty hands over his large shoulders, smiling to herself when she detected goosebumps under his hairline. To tease him, she ran her nails along the inside of his collar under the guise of straightening the shirt that was already perfect. Her polished nails sumptuously scraped across the nape of Baird’s neck, and she smirked at the shudder he did not suppress in time. “You look regal. Like you belong with us.”
Baird’s knuckles were white as he clenched the counter in an effort to regain his controlled demeanor. “But we both know that’s not true, Suzette.”
The princess spoke to the Wayward in low, soothing tones. “Baird, you’re one of the strongest men I know. Do you think my granddad started out royal? No. He worked his way from the bottom up. He was in the military and fought in World War Three. He was a warrior, like you and Blue. I bet if, before he was crowned, he saw himself looking as handsome as you, he wouldn’t have believed it, either.” She ran her hand down the length of his arm to straighten his sleeve. “But I believe it. That’s going to have to be enough for you right now.”
Baird shook his head, no longer able to ignore how close her body was to him. He could feel her heat through his back, and had to remind himself not to lean into it. Without thinking it through, he twisted his hand and grabbed onto her fingers as they were fiddling with the cuff of his sleeve. He was embarrassed at the need that drew him to her. Elle had always been much easier to resist.
Hope swelled in Suzette’s breast as she relished him reaching out to her for the first time. Her fingers wrapped around his and held on tight, thanking whatever vulnerability brought on his silent advance. “Baird,” she whispered.
“No,” he responded sternly.
“Look at me, Baird.”
“I…I can’t. We can’t.” He let out a low curse as he struggled to remain indifferent to her gentle hold.
Her free hand brushed down his waist. Suzette kept her voice low, hoping Alec was far enough away that he did not overhear. “I don’t want a man who’s afraid, Baird. I want a man who can face me. Face himself. If you can’t admit…” Her voice trailed off, and she squeezed his fingers. “This is a good start, but you’re going to have to work a lot harder.” She dropped his hand and stepped back. “Someone told me once that I was worth working for. I’ve grown rather fond of that idea.”
Baird did not turn around as Suzette left on Alec’s arm, nor did he want to see the twinkle in the guard’s eye at his obvious weakness that was growing more predictable around the princess.
9
Suit and Dress
Sam proffered his arm to Blue outside the room she had been primping in with Suzette. He spoke not a word, but his eyes said everything. With great care, he guided her around corners and through cream-colored hallways, making the brightness of her white dress stand out like a flag of scandal and beauty. He communicated their whereabouts through his earpiece, and then explained that there had been several additions and tweaks to security for the big day. “I have to share you,” he confessed with a frown. “Every spare royal guard was called in to help out. The king even gave us a few of his for Frederick.”
“How many guards per royal?” came Baird’s voice from the kitchen. He had gone to great lengths to center himself after Suzette’s departure.
“Five, I think,” Sam answered. “More for Frederick and the other monarchs, of course. Emperor Anders and Emperor Cho travel with a slew of guards, and King Sinclair has his own cavalry.”
“Is that necessary?”
“No, probably not. It just looks good. Plus, it’s protocol. Any time there’s this many royals in one place, they bring out as many uniforms as possible. Discourages anyone from making a move, and shows the people how well their peaceful regime is protected. Wait here for a second,” he instructed Blue, and then walked over to Baird to whisper a threat in his ear.
Baird rose, and Blue was stunned at the perfect black suit that looked like Liam’s and Killian’s, minus the medals. He also looked like Suzette had gotten a hold of him. Fresh haircut, buffed fingernails, erect stance – Baird was handsome and fierce, as he always was. Blue could tell that he was struggling with something, and when she stepped toward him, it came out in a gust. “Youlookverynice.”
Blue surprised both men by laughing so hard, she had to hold her stomach and break out of her perfect posture. “Oh, man! That looked like it was painful to say. Woo!” She shook out her limbs. “I needed that. Thanks.” She tried, and failed, to get her giggles under wraps. “You look good, too, Baird. No, really!” She reached for him when he scowled at her. “Like a real royal. You look like Liam with the suit and everything. Scary.”
“Well, that’s what I was going for. Scary.”
“How about me? Scary?” she asked, her levity quieting to insecurity.
“You look very nice,” Baird repeated in monotone.
“Really? No comment on how impractical the dress is? Inappropriate? Unnecessary? Certainly can’t do much fighting in it.”
“Very nice. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”
“Good man,” Sam praised, ushering them both to the garage. Instead of Sam’s silver sedan, a black limousine awaited them. Baird ducked in first, and extended his hand to assist his sister, as Suzette’s etiquette lessons dictated. Blue could tell he was biting back sarcasm, and silently thanked her sister for the help as she slid into the vehicle. Three men were waiting in the back, two flanking Baird, and the other motioning for Blue to sit next to him. She began to breathe easier when Sam took the other seat at her side.
The car backed out without warning, and Blue’s hands flew out to brace herself, landing on Sam and the stranger next to her. “I’m sorry!” she exclaimed, retracting and righting herself. “I’m not used to riding backwards in cars. I didn’t mean to…”
“Not at all, your majesty.” The hired guard offered his arm to anchor her, should she need it.
Blue’s nose scrunched up. “What? No, I’m not. I’m just Blue. Not majesty. Blue.”
Sam took hold of her hand and spoke low in her ear. “He’s addressing you as he should. It’s okay.”
“Sam? I don’t want to do this.” Suddenly, it all became real. Too real. Her breathing picked up and her chest heaved unsteadily. “Sam? Let’s go home. Please?”
“Blue, it’s alright. We’ll be back in a couple hours.”
“Please take me home, Sam! Please!”
Baird leaned forward and raised his finger to catch her attention. “Listen to me right now, Blue. Calm yourself down. You will not turn into a baby on my watch. Did you really just beg Sam? Are you a beggar?”
“No, Baird.”
He was grateful that even though she was dressed up almost beyond recognition, she was still in there, and he could command her when necessary. “You are going to do this thing because Frederick wants it. You will not disappoint him. You will not disappoint me. You will keep your head up and smile. You will keep your temper. You will do everything you are supposed to do because that’s who we are. Have you ever left a job undone?”
“No, Baird.”
“If you ran out right now, you’d be a person who can’t finish the job. Who doesn’t finish their work?”
“Lazy people.”
“Are you lazy?”
“No, Baird.”
“Do lazy people eat?”
“No, Baird. Lazy people don’t eat.”
“Then quit begging and do your job. I don’t care whose name you go by, you belong to me, and we don’t shirk our responsibilities, no matter how ridiculous we look.” Baird tugged at his suit jacket unhappily.
“Okay.”
Sam glowered at the unapologetic brother as he sat back in his seat. “That’ll do, Baird.”
“You’re welcome,” Baird responded succinctly.
The three new additions kept their confusion and surprise as concealed as they could, but Blue could tell they were not used to looking after people like her and her brother.
Foregoing the stoic demeanor all guards donned when on the clock, Sam held onto Blue’s hand and whispered words of devotion and encouragement that bred gentility back into her spiked nerves. He kissed her cheek repeatedly, then her jaw, her nearly naked shoulder, her hand – anywhere he could press his lips that would not mar her hair or makeup and incur the wrath of Suzette.
“Sam, people can see us,” Blue murmured her half-hearted protest.
“Good.” Sam continued the trail along the side of her face. Eventually he felt the tension in her abate. He smirked into her skin.
“I think I’ve been a pretty good sport about everything,” Baird sneered when his sister’s eyes fluttered shut as Sam nibbled her earlobe. “But don’t think that I won’t beat you to death if you don’t get your hands off my sister. Don’t be fooled by the suit, Vem. I’m every bit as Wayward as I ever was.”
“Alright, Baird. We’re almost there. Dial down the crazy.” Sam pulled away from Blue, but the two remained attached at their hands.
When the car stopped in front of the chapel, Blue could scarcely see the building; there were so many people gathered. Thousands were crowded behind the roped-off red carpet, all cheering and snapping pictures and waving at the royals. “Sam? Is there a back entrance or something?” Even Baird looked shell-shocked.
“Nice try, Princess. You ready for the cameras, Baird? You’re out first.”
“Sam?” she whispered with trepidation.
“I’ll be right behind you. Just ignore the cameras and follow Baird.” One of Baird’s guards reached for the door, but Sam stayed his hand. “Ignore everything, Blue. Every possible threat. Every face. Every word. Focus on your brother. Go where he goes. Keep pace with him.” Sam gave Blue his best calm and reassuring smile before permitting the door to be opened. He pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead, recalling Suzette’s words of death if he so much as rustled a hair from her head. “One foot in front of the other. Head high. Smile. Over in a little bit. Easy.”
10
The Coronation
It was not as simple as Sam promised. It was one of the biggest struggles she ever encountered, but Blue obeyed to the letter, resolved not to embarrass Frederick or her brother.
From the moment her foot hit the red carpet, tens of thousands of people cheered and shouted their allegiance to the throne. Battling with the urge to run, punch, scream, kick, fight, observe, catalog and hide, Blue kept her head to the front and her eyes focused on the middle of her brother’s back as she marched a few meters behind him. Four guards she did not know flanked her, but she drew strength in knowing that Sam was watching her back. Up the chapel steps and through the doors she strode toward the front. Toward her brother. Toward Liam’s stupid grin. Toward Killian’s adoring gaze. Toward Suzette’s radiance. Toward her father’s side.
