CHAPTER 18
LYLA’S P.O.V
It’s been a week since Camilla arrived at the palace and I still haven’t had a single one on one interaction with her. I only see her at meals and even then, she doesn’t speak to anyone. She is the epitome of grace and perfection when I see her around the halls and I can’t help the feeling of jealousy whenever she is around.
I have noticed that we kind of look alike, except she is the perfect version and I am clumsier.
Zander has tried to assure me that he wants nothing to do with her but in the last two days, he has been acting very distant and a part of me wants to ask but I am scared that her presence has made him realize that he wants her and not me.
Planning for the mating ceremony had taken up most of my time so I didn’t have a lot of spare time to worry about them. Every day, Helena and I went through a million different pictures trying to pick the perfect color scheme, flower arrangements and seating charts for both the palace and the garden venue.
The seating charts were the hardest because I had to consider the territories that were feuding so I didn’t accidentally put them together and which people were more likely to start up trouble. It was horrible but having Helena with me made it al little easier.
Today was my dress fitting and I was currently sitting on my bed while the designer arranged rows upon rows of dresses for me to choose from. As culture. ordained, I was to wear a white or off white color for the main ceremony and I thought I would go blind from the amount of white dresses that were in front of
- me.
I had already tried on four white dresses and three cream dresses and I was getting bored and tired.
The door to the room creaked open and I expected it to be Ender but I was shocked to see a mop of blond hair. Camilla made her way inside and her eyes widened when she took in the scene.
CHAPTER 18
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“I am so sorry I interrupted,” even her voice was melodious and graceful, “I was looking for Alex, but if you don’t mind, I would love to sit in. This looks like it is so much fun.”
I wanted to say no but I knew it would be rude considering how nice she was currently being so I nodded. She clapped her hands in glee and took a seat next to
- me.
The designer brought out another white dress but she started waving her hands. frantically.
“No way,” she exclaimed, “White is definitely not the color if it is an outdoor wedding. Why not try something ivory. Ivory is my go to color and I’m sure you realize that we look very much alike. Is it alright if I help you choose something?”
The designer must have been too stunned to respond but that didn’t stop her because she started rummaging through the racks until she saw something she liked. She pulled it off the rack and handed it to me.
“You should try this one,” she gestured for me to rise, “Come, let me help you into
it.”
I turned to Helena who looked just as shocked as I was but she gave me a slow nod letting me know it was okay.
I followed her behind the partition we had arranged for me to get dressed. She worked in silence as she helped me into the dress and I have to admit that it felt good. When I was done, she led me out and in front of a mirror.
The dress was beautiful; it was a strapless A line dress that flowed out at my feet. It had detachable off the shoulder sleeves and a thigh high slit and I have to admit that it made me look amazing. I snuck a glance at Helena and the designer and they all had wide eyed looks.
“This is,” the designer began, “It is perfection; you should consider working in fashion.”
“Oh please; it’s all about knowing what works best for you.” Camilla laughed softly then she turned to me, “Let’s get you out of it.”
me,”
In about five minutes, I was back in my usual clothes and everyone was staring at me and wondering if I was going to choose the dress or keep searching for a better
CHAPTER 18
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I was tired already and we had another event to choose a dress for. This dress was beautiful and I didn’t see a reason why I shouldn’t choose it so I let the designer know that I would take it.
Camilla clapped her hands in glee and I heard the designer let out a breath of relief. I’m sure even he was tired of having to deal with me hating every single dress he chose.
“We
can start choosing the other-,” he began but I cut him off.
“Why don’t we do that another day? You must be exhausted.
He let out a sigh of relief, “You’re right. It was a pleasure.” He gave me a small bow and started clearing out his things.
Somehow, in the middle of him clearing up, Camilla must have slipped out because by the time he was gone, she was nowhere to be seen. Helena was about to leave when she noticed something because she stopped with the door open. By the time she turned, she had a brown manila envelope in her hands.
“This is addressed to you.” She said and I rushed to take it out of her hands. Sure enough, the envelope was addressed to me.
Helena walked back into the room and shut the door behind her. I wasted no time in tearing the envelope open and a bunch of pictures fell out. I picked up the first one and my mouth fell open as I realized what it was- what they all were.
I went through each picture hoping to see something different but they were all the same. It was Camilla and Zander at a hidden table in a restaurant. In one of the pictures, he had his hands over hers like he does with me. In another, he was whispering into her ear and she was smiling. In the next one, his hand was cupping her cheek and I realized I didn’t want to see anymore.
“Lyla,” Helena began but I cut her off.
“It is fine,” I gathered up the pictures and shoved them into my underwear drawer, “No one should hear about this.”
“I’m sure if you ask Zander then he will explain.”
“No one should hear about it,” I repeated with more force and she went quiet, “You
CHAPTER 18
did not see anything at all.”
She nodded, “Of course.” She gave me a small nod and left the room.
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My legs gave out then and I fell back on the bed. It took everything to calm my breathing and not give way to the tears. I actually thought that things were different this time and that Zander truly didn’t want her but it seems like I was wrong if those pictures are anything to go by.
I was still thinking about it when the door opened and Zander walked in. Speak of the devil and he will appear.
His eyes found me on the bed and he smiled, “How did your dress fitting go?” I responded with a shrug, “I saw Helena leaving so I assume it ended not long ago.”
Again, I responded with a shrug and his smile fell, “Is something wrong, Lyla?”
“I don’t think so,” I responded then turned to him, “Is something wrong?”
Confusion took over his features, “I don’t know what’s going on but you’re acting
weird.”
“I’m just tired,” I lied, “I had a long day.”
I didn’t wait for his response; I just took off my shoes and curled myself up into a ball under the covers.
I could feel his confusion but he didn’t push too much, he just walked over and kissed my temple.
“I have to go out for a second; I’ll be back soon.” He waited for my response but when I didn’t give it, he sighed in resignation and left the room.
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