"Hidden Truths"

CHAPTER TWO

Charlotte’s POV

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I almost lost my balance as someone shoved past me. I turned slightly, startled, and saw it was one of the ladies from the restroom. 

“Hey, what the hell?” I snapped, slightly disoriented while turning around. 

“You should’ve moved in the first place, lowlife, can't you see that you are standing in my way” she said, her tone sharp and dismissive, before turning on her heel and walking off like I hadn’t even been worth the breath she used.

I was so shocked by her attitude. Like…. it wasn't that serious, all she had to do was say “excuse me” if I was blocking her path. I didn't argue because I knew she was higher in status than I was. 

I decided to follow the direction she took, hoping she was also on her way back to the wedding hall. But as I walked behind her, she took a turn and I couldn't find her anymore. 

I continued walking in the corridor that stretched out in front of me, long and quiet. The soft clicks of my shoes echoed off the marble floor as I moved around. I had wandered too far, trying to get to the wedding hall and now I feel like I'm lost. 

The palace was beautiful, and every detail seemed to beg for attention. The hallway ahead didn’t look like the others. It looks private. A part of me knew I probably shouldn’t be here. But I kept going anyway.

I thought about turning back—really, I did, but my feet just… kept going. I couldn’t help it. I guess I was just too curious. Who even stayed down here?

Then I saw a door, just barely open at the end of the hallway. Glancing over my shoulder to make sure no one was watching me being nosy, I slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside. 

The room was massive. Way bigger than anything I’d ever seen. I mean, I could probably combine both my rooms back at Willowcrest and still not fill half of it. That’s how big it was.

The air smelled sweet, soft, and rich, like a perfume made for someone important. Then I saw something. Right there in the center of the room, standing on a raised platform was a mannequin. And on it, was the most beautiful wedding gown I’d ever laid eyes on. I couldn’t look away.

I walked toward it slowly, completely drawn in.

“Wow…” I whispered. “This must be the queen’s.”

I reached out and ran my fingers along the sleeve, gently. The fabric was beautiful, soft, and smooth. Definitely nothing like the ones I worked with back home when I was stitching dresses late into the night.

I stood there, just staring for a bit. And then this completely ridiculous thought crossed my mind. What would it feel like… to wear something like this?

“I’ll just try it on,” I whispered, mostly to myself. “Just for a minute. No one will know.”

Even as I said it, I barely believed the words coming out of my mouth. A small voice in the back of my head told me, this was a stupid idea. A terrible one. That dress probably belongs to the queen. And I knew if I got caught, I could get thrown out of the palace. Maybe worse. 

I wasn’t thinking clearly. Maybe because, just this once, I wanted to make a terrible decision—something reckless. Something I’d never normally do.

Quickly, I walked back to the door and closed it, slowly. My heart was racing, thumping loudly enough that I could hear it in my ears. Half of me was terrified. The other half? Honestly… kind of thrilled.

I slipped into the adjoining bathroom, my hands trembling just a little as I unzipped my dress and let it fall, then carefully, I lifted the gown over my head. I held my breath as I adjusted the sleeves, afraid even the slightest tug would ruin it.

To my surprise, the dress was a perfect fit. Like it was originally made for me. I stepped back into the room and walked slowly toward the tall mirror. The second I caught sight of my reflection, I was amazed.

“Is that… me?” I whispered, barely hearing my voice.

The girl in the mirror looked different. The gown draped perfectly, hugging my body in all the right places. I looked Poised, elegant, and beautiful. Almost like I belonged to royalty. My cheeks flushed, and a shy smile tugged at my lips.

For a second, I didn’t see myself as a girl from a low-ranked pack. I saw… someone else. Someone I could never be. But still, I let myself believe it. Just for a little while.

“I probably look better in this than the queen ever would,” I muttered, letting out a small, nervous chuckle.

I couldn’t help myself. I reached for the veil sitting quietly on the counter. I placed it gently on my head and… wow. Just for a second, I felt like a bride. A real one.

I twirled in front of the mirror, pretending this was my day. That someone out there was waiting for me with soft eyes and steady hands. Someone who chose me.

For someone like me, wearing a dress like this at my wedding would be nearly impossible. So why not enjoy it while it lasts?

As I continued to admire myself, the door to the room creaked open, and my heart jumped. Panic shot through me so fast, I almost dropped the veil. 

Without thinking, I yanked it down over my face, my fingers shaking as I tried to adjust it. I wanted to run to the bathroom but whoever came in was already in the room so I just stood straight in front of the mirror, trying not to look suspicious. 

“Oh no. Someone’s here, I’m in serious trouble.” I cried.