I hate flying. That is the thought that confounds me the moment I step on the plane. It is why I rarely take trips that require me to board planes unless it is absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, this happens to be one of them. Looking out the window, I try to calm my racing heart by focusing on the floating clouds, trying to admire the beautiful scenery before me. It doesn't work much.The plane rumbles beneath me as I clutch the armrests, my knuckles turning white. My breaths are shallow, and my heart races faster than the engines propelling us through the sky. Anxiety tightens its grip on me, twisting my stomach into knots. Looking away from the window, I squeeze my eyes shut, pressing my back against the lush leather seats, my jumbled nerves making it impossible for me to relax.The air hostess must have noticed my distress as she appears beside me, all smiles and professional composure. "Good afternoon, ma'am. We'll be landing in the Netherlands shortly. Please fasten your seatb
After sharing pleasantries with Marcus and discussing a little more with Reina, I am finally ushered to my room. My jumbled nerves make it impossible for me to admire the grand hallways, since I can't help but notice the peculiar way the maids are staring at me, especially at my tattoo sleeve. This, of course, makes me feel very self-conscious, and before I know it, I am trying to cover it up with my other hand with little success.When I step into the room assigned to me, I freeze on my steps, a gasp escaping my lips. It's like entering a fairytale. The room is much bigger than the apartment I have in New York, and lavishly decorated as well. A grand canopy bed sits at the center of the room, covered with silk curtains. Antique furniture lines the walls, and the floor is covered in the softest carpet I've ever seen. Not to mention the crystal chandelier and the exquisite wallpaper. It is so beautiful it feels foreign. Walking towards the bed, I collapse onto it, feeling the exhaustio
Leaving my room with Reina, I try to steady my nerves as we make our way to the grand dining hall. The hallway seems longer than before, each step echoing my heartbeat. Reina, walking beside me, flashes a reassuring smile, but it doesn't completely ease my apprehension.I can't help but think, 'Will they like me? Won't they see me as weird? What if I don't meet up to their standards? They are royalty after all. Calm down, Sophie,' I mentally chide myself when I catch myself thinking of all the worst-case scenarios. You've not even gotten there yet.We enter the spacious dining hall, and I meet the rest of the family already seated and discussing amongst themselves. A hushed silence falls over the room, and all eyes turn towards us. I freeze slightly, burdened by the weight of their gazes. Reina sees this and comes to nudge me forward. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I make my way towards the long dining table, my palms sweating.We approach the long dining table, and I try not to fo
Sophie.A new day has begun, and I'm already hard at work, trying to get this dress just right. Warm sunlight spills into my newly put-together fitting room, located in one of the many rooms in the castle, casting a warm glow on Reina as I make the final adjustments to the gown. The delicate lace and intricate details seem to dance in the light, taking shape around Reina's figure. I meticulously ensure every seam aligns, every fold drapes just right."We're going to be making adjustments here, here, and there," I mutter as I stick pins to the extra material on the dress and mark areas where I would be making adjustments with chalk. Reina stands before a full-length mirror, her reflection revealing a mix of excitement and anticipation as I work. The wedding gown, a masterpiece in the making, hugs her figure like a second skin. She watches the process with a mix of anticipation and delight, occasionally letting out soft gasps as I tweak and perfect. Finally, I step back, my hands restin
Walking around in the bustling textile shop, surrounded by bolts of fabric in every color and texture imaginable, I start to get busy. The air in the textile shop is filled with the familiar scent of fabrics, each roll holding endless possibilities for the perfect wedding gown. I run my fingers over the silks, considering the texture, envisioning how they will drape and flow. It's a crucial decision, and I need everything to be just right.As I scrutinize the fabrics, an attendant approaches, offering assistance."Kan ik u helpen iets specifieks te vinden?" (Can I help you find something specific?) She speaks but I have no idea what she's saying. Lost, I look around before sheepishly gesturing that I didn't understand. She looks surprised but before she can speak, someone interrupts."She's asking if you need any help." A voice says above me and it turns out to be Marcus. I turn to look at him, surprised. When did he get so close? Remembering what he said, I quick reply."Oh... Not rea
Leaving Marcus in the grand hall, I hurry to my new workspace, eager to lose myself in the comforting rhythm of sewing. Blocking all thoughts of Marcus away from my mind, I busy myself with creating Reina's wedding dress. For hours, I work my ass off, the soft fabrics whispering under my fingers as I stitch, the wedding dress slowly taking shape. Time slips away, and before I know it, the room is dark, and my stomach rumbles with hunger.Forcing myself to step away from my work in progress, I let out a weary sigh, stretching my stiff muscles. A small smile hits my lips when I see how beautiful it looks. Although I have made good progress, there's still a lot to do before it becomes finished. The thought of food had faded in the face of my determination to finish the dress and I don't know if I can get anything now since it's so late. Yawning loudly, I decide to retire to bed. I clean up all of my materials and quietly step out of the office and amble to my room.The castle is silent,
Sophie Franklin.The only woman who has the power to bring me to my knees even if she doesn't realize it yet. Standing by the window, I quietly observe as the soft glow of daylight seeps into my room, illuminating everything that it touches. The view outside is breathtaking but I can barely acknowledge it as my attention is focused on something else... Or rather, someone else.In another part of the castle is Sophie, hard at work, crafting Reina wedding dress. Getting an unobstructed view of what she's doing, I watch her, my heart gently thudding in my chest. The sight of her delicate movements as she sews fills me with a sense of quiet admiration. I find myself lost in the simple beauty of her dedication, the way she pours her heart into every stitch.Taking a deep breath, I glance at the paper in my hands, a sketch of my own face on it. It was drawn by Sophie and I had found it in the trash while I was looking all over for her. I had retrieved and kept it, treasuring it ever since.
I return to the castle after a short walk in the enchanting gardens of the palace, needing to clear my mind. So far, it has been beneficial and I was eager to get back to my room as I was done for the day. However, as I step back inside, there is a palpable shift in the atmosphere. Earlier, I had noticed a line of cars stopping at the entrance, making me wonder what was going on. Now, the castle seems abuzz with activity, maids and workers walking around in hurried footsteps and a sense of urgency in the air.Seems like the castle had received guests and I wonder who they are. I glance around, contemplating who to approach for information, but the busy figures ignore my curiosity. Shrugging, I walk to my room, not wanting to disturb anyone. I hadn't seen Marcus all day and a part of me had wondered if it was a good or bad development. Regardless, I'm glad he's keeping his distance from me. I don't want to overcomplicate things the way they are right now.Back in the safety of my room,