Standing on a small pedestal the seamstress makes a few last changes to my dress. Of course, I am to be blindfold while I go to my fitting appointments. Eirik is very adamant about me not seeing the dress until the night of the gala. With one of my senses taken away my others are only heightened. I know he knew that but I guess he didn't want me to know what the dress looks like. The gala is only in a couple days now, and I am getting nervous. It is our first official public outing together. I want to make Eirik proud. I haven't done something like this since before my parents died. Somehow, I know everything will come right back to me. Like riding a bike.
"Ok deary I think we are done. Thank you for bringing in the shoes so we can get the length right." She pauses standing up and taking my hand so I don't fall flat on my ass. I take her hand and she continues " I'm so sorry dear that I have to keep the blindfold on until we get you out of this dress."
I smile " Yes ma'am, that's no problem. Believe me I know he can be...a little intimidating."
She ushers me into the dressing room. I kick my shoes off and she unzips the back. I step out of the dress and she quickly takes off leaving me alone. "Just come out when you are ready deary and we will let you know what time we will be dropping off the dress." She says.
"Yes ma'am." I call after her. Shaking my head I slip back into my blue jeans and a bat wing peasant shirt. I slip on my flip flops, grab the high heels and walk out. The ladies and I go over a few minor details and we plan for the dress to be dropped off at Eirik's place at 4:00pm on the day of gala. Smiling and pretty pleased with everything I head out and get in the lotus. I have to say I sure do like driving this car. Thank goodness I can drive a stick shift or I'd be in the Tahoe. Cranking it up I turn the Bluetooth on and blare my easy listening playlist from YouTube, and head back to Eirik's mansion.
Pulling in through the gate I go and park the lotus inside the garage. Looking around I shake my head this man has too many cars to count. He's like a kid when it comes to his cars. I even had my two bikes moved over and they sit by the door near the entrance into the house from the garage. Walking up into the house I can see that the house keeper has been by and has made lunch for me. Nothing special just some ham sandwiches. Smiling I head to fridge grab a bottle of water, and sit down at the counter to eat. I sit there for some time playing on my phone, eating, and just relaxing. Tonight was my night off but I was still heading into the bar to spend time with my loving, sexy, viking.
Once I see the sun setting I know Eirik is waking up, so I head up the spiral stair case from the kitchen to the second floor. His home is beautiful. Built for a king. Everything inside is from times long ago. If you know what you are looking at you can see the time line of Eirik's long life. I love looking at the tapestries. They show wars, love, families, and many other things. Different pieces of art litter the walls. As I get closer to his room I hear the shower running. Not wanting to miss out on a beautiful show. I go straight into the on suite bathroom and take a seat on the edge of his marble tub. The steam clouds the glass to the shower but I can still make out the silhouette of his body. All those hard muscle rippling under his taut skin. His body has a masculine outline and one any woman would love to have looming above her late at night or early in the morning; as our case is.
A few moments later Eirik steps out of the shower and wraps a towel around his waist before turning towards me. "Well enjoying yourself?" He asks standing in front of me water still beaded upon his chest. His tattoos moving, almost flowing over his skin, as if they are alive.
"Yes I am actually, thank you." I say standing up and, walking over to him. Wrapping my arms around his neck. Not caring that he is still wet. I wrap him in a loving embrace. He smells of soap, and masculinity. He really does make my heart thump harder and faster in my chest. I swear he can feel it about to beat out of my chest.
"So I assume everything went well in the fitting?" He asks as we release one another. Casually he walks over to the vanity and wipes off the fog that had collected on it.
" Yes everything went fine. I was still blindfolded and everything was done as you had instructed. They said they will be dropping the dress off Friday afternoon at four." I say going back to my seat on the tub. Wow, this man is as beautiful as ever. I know it's not right to call a man beautiful but he is.
"Good, so you should have plenty of time to get ready and hopefully get a toner put in your hair and your hair tied up." He said checking his reflection. He runs his hand through his mohawk and turns to look at me, as he leans against the vanity.
"Yes I plan on getting everything taken care of before the dress even gets here. You will not have even started to awaken when I'm done with my all errands dearest." I say crossing my arms over my chest.
After our discussion about how everything is going to work out the day of the gala, I get up, and take my leave. Heading to my closet, I go to get ready for the my night of bartending. Though, I can't help but think about how here lately Eirik has become somewhat controlling when it comes to how I dress. He seems to get jealous. I always have to calm him down and remind him that he is the only one I leave the club with. That he is the only one I love. Althoguh, I have to admit, it is endearing sometimes.
The few days fly by as if sand through my fingers. I wake up the morning of the gala in Eirik's bed. I look over at him and smile sweetly. I carefully get out of bed and make my way into the bathroom. I take care of business and wash my face waking myself up further. I head out and go straight for the walk in closet. Eirik had the closet made larger as to accommodate my clothes. I had told him it was unnecessary but he insisted as always. And, as always, he got what he wanted. Shaking my head I make my way inside. I go straight for a pair of jeans, a bra, panties, and a button down shirt. This way when I get back home I can easily remove everything and not mess up any of the hard work that I get done.
Making my way out to the garage I look at the beautiful cars that line the garage. "Hmmm which one." I say placing my hand one hip. I decide to grab the keys to the lotus once again. Couldn't take any of the bikes because I will mess my hair up with my helmet. Walking to the lotus, I jump in, turn on my easy listening playlist, and head into town.
Finally at the beauty salon I am happy that she is able to make my hair a champagne blond. I show the stylist what I want done and she says she would be done by around dusk. Perfect timing so I can have my jewels picked out when I get back to there house. She pins my hair up accordingly. About three hours later she finishes, spinning me around. Smiling I thank her and pay her leaving a generous tip. I check and make sure everything is good to go before getting back into the car. I know that I don't have anything else to do so I head up to the local ice cream shop and grab a quick treat.
Twenty minutes later I'm on my way back to the house, to make sure I am there when my dress arrives. Though, I have strict orders from Eirik not to spoil his surprise. I take my time getting back home. I quiet enjoy driving his cars whenever the feeling hits me. I can go extremely fast or I can just relax. I finally arrive back at the mansion and pull the lotus out front. I don't feel like pulling it up into the garage. I make my way up the stairs and into the house. Making my way into the kitchen I hear a the door bell sound off and rush to answer it.
"Yes mum I'm to deliver this gown to a Ms. Rose, or a Mr. Warwick. Are either present?" He asks holding up a large garment bag I know contains my beautiful dress.
"Yes, I am Miss. Rose. I'll take the dress." I say holding my arms and a very large grin plastered on my face. I'm sure I look like a mad fool to this nice man. Then again, I have been waiting a long time to wear this dress. " Thank you so much." I say as I pull some cash from my pocket and give the boy a twenty.
"No problem Miss have a good day." With that the young man leaves.
I go back inside and lay the garment bag on the main table in the foyer. I make my way to the kitchen to grab a sandwich. Sitting on at the bar I smile and figure I need to eat before we star to get ready. I'm hoping they have something to eat there. Maybe a little something to munch on. I know it won't be a buffet but something would be nice. About that time Eirik comes walking into the kitchen. He wore only a pair of sleep pants, that sit devilishly perfect on his hips. "Good morning my beautiful Lili. I see your hair has turned out beautifully." He says walking over to stand in front of me, leaning against the bar. I just smile at him. I grab his waist and pull him to me. Coming to me he wraps his arms around me. " The ladies should be here to do your make up soon, but first I want you to follow me." He says letting me go and giving me his hand to follow him.
Taking his hand I stand up and follow him. Eirik leads me to one of the many doors up stairs. We make our way into a big room. Eirik lets go of my hand and walks over to one of the tapestries that lined the wall of this room. "Come on but watch your step." He calls out as he disappears. I follow obediently and make my way down a stone spiral staircase.
"Where are we going?" I ask him. Smiling and laughing as the nervousness starts to get to me.
"You said you would go but you wanted to choose some jewels to wear so. I'm letting you choose a few jewels." He says as we stand at the bottom of the stairs.
I'm speechless. "Eirik no I was just kidding, I didn't really expect something like this. I just thought you would pick out something for me." I say standing with him.
He punches in a code and I hear metal sliding and unlocking the door. The door swings open slightly on it's own. "Come on, I have a few special pieces picked out for you already." We step inside of a very large vault. It is a dark blue velvet, and small light lits up the room.
"Oh my gawd. Eirik..." I say trailing off. He had picked out a simple diamond tiara with a large sapphire in the center. With simple chain necklace with a sapphire pendant and earrings to match. But, the one that caught my eye is a crown, with a beautiful necklace and chandler earrings. "This one. I want this one. I want to be the belle of this gala. Please" I say standing in front of a beautiful jewelry set. I know wearing this I will feel like a real queen. Hell, this probably belonged to a real queen or princess at some point.
"Of course my dear. You can wear anything you like. But, I agree. This will do perfectly. It will match with everything perfectly." Eirik says. "This is the Portland Antique Sapphire Diamond and Natural Pearl Tiara. The necklace has cushion cut natural diamonds on the necklace as well as natural pearls. Just like this tiara. At the center there is an asher cut 8 ct natural sapphire. The ribbon the stones are attached to is meant to be to tied in the back in a small but tight bow. I made sure the ribbon is black so that it matches everything and anything you wear." He says stepping over to the necklace, picking up and holding it up to my neck.
"I'm...wow...Eirik it's beautiful. This is all so amazing." I say standing there watching him. His eyes are blazing an almost neon purple. He is staring back into my blue gray eyes. I knew they had to be blue because of all the blue around me. Good thing about gray eyes is your eyes match colors that you may wear.
"I'll bring these up and I'm sure everything will match beautifully. Now I'm sure I hear someone upstairs." He says gently setting the necklace back down. Just then I hear the doorbell sound off once again.
"That should be the make up artisit. I didn't feel like doing mine today." I say exiting the vault with Eirik right on my heels. We both ascend the stairs in silence. I am thinking about what they were going to do for my makeup. I am so excited because I know soon I will be slipping into my dress.
"One more thing my sweetheart." He starts as we make our way back down to the foyer. We decend the marble stair case and I stop once I'm down on the foyer floor. " I will be the one who dresses you. These young ladies know that I am to be the one who comes in and slips you into your dress."
"Eirik what is with all this? Why so much secrecy about this damn dress?" I ask putting my hands on my hips.
Eirik simply walks past me, not even answering me. He opens the door and lets the ladies in. "Ladies welcome. Ms. Ann, Ms. Kim." He greets them both as do I. Simply pleasantries are exchanged. "Ms. Ann I have the jewels picked out and I will bring the up just as soon as Ms. Kim is done with Lili's make up. So ladies please go with Lili and I'll leave you to everything." He says and turns back to me. He kisses my lips softly and a small moan escapes. I can't help it. The man makes me weak. "Behave, I'll be up shortly with the tiara, and once you see yourself you will understand why I am being this way about the dress." He says softly and kisses my cheek, then disappears.
I take the ladies up stairs, and we enter into one of the guest bedrooms. I love this bedroom. The ladies set up in front of the large floor to ceiling window, and they get to work. on my make up I tell her a smokey eye with silver, blue, gray, and some shimmer. Then a matte lipstick that will go well with everything such as a red. So Ms. Kim sets off to doing my make up. Some time in the middle of her work Eirik comes in with the tiara and jewels that we'd picked out, and the garment bag which contains my dress. Now I'm starting to get excited. Once Kim was done with my make up I looked and I loved it. It was perfect. A smokey eye type eye makeup, with hints of a blue, that matches the tiara. A shimmer in the black eye shadow on my lid. It wasn't so black that it drowns out the winged eye liner. She also put on fake lashes but I asked for them. The lip stick is a matte cream by NYX called Copenhagen. I look beautiful. I feel even more so. Next up is Ann.
"I think I'm just going to pull it up and through. Then curl your hair and make it big to fill the inside of the tiara. Will that be ok with you?" She asks me as I stare at my reflection. I nod my agreement to her and she sets to work. She brushes and pulles my hair up into a ponytail on top of my head. Setting the tiara into place. Once she secures it into place with bobby pins, she moves my head around to make sure it is secure. After all I am wearing a priceless tiara. Once she is satisfied she starts curling my hair. As she finishes up Eirik comes back in this time with the garment bag. He walks over and hangs it up on the railing of the canopy bed. Finally Ann finishes with my hair. I am amazed at how beautiful everything is. The last thing to do is to pull on the dress. The ladies and I hug each other and say our good byes. Once the ladies leave Eirik comes over to me and smiles.
Eirik held the necklace in his hands and puts it on me. Once the ribbon is tied, he let his hands run down my shoulders and rest on my hips. "Are you ready?" He asks. I nod my head and take a breath. Eirik came out from behind me and walked over to the garment bag. Taking it down he unzips the bag and pulls out what looks like a black gown. I can't really tell. Once it's out, he motions for me to come to him and I do as I'm told. "Take your clothes off." He says. Again, I do as I am asked. Eirik comes around to stand in front of me and has the strapless gown gathered on the floor so I can step in. As I do, he pulls the gown up and walks back behind me so he can zip me up. I pull the dress up and get it where I want it and where I a comfortable. He zips me up and I immediately go to the mirror where I nearly pass out. The dress is a strapless drop waist floor length gown. It has a slit up to my thigh. No wonder I had to have all the alterations. The dress is amazing. It fits me perfectly, like a glove. It feels like velvet but more refined. The top was encrusted with sapphires, and diamonds. They were all real jewels too. They covered the top and dripped down to my waist. I noticed though that the jewels were only in the front and I thanked God for that.
"Eirik it's gorgeous. I love it. I understand now why you kept me blindfolded." I said. Eirik went back to the bed and held up a set of white opera gloves. "Are you serious? Gloves?" I ask staring at him.
"I'm afraid so my dear." He states as I walks over. Picking up the silky gloves I sigh. "Can't they at least be black or blue or something other than white? These things are going to be hell to keep clean." I whine.
He just smiles, laughing a little as he hands me the gloves. " Yes, I agree but just have the champagne then my dear." He just shrugs at me and turns around to the night stand. That's when I notice a very beautiful tattoo of what appears to be a rose. I place the gloves on the bed and walk over to him tracing my fingers along the white and red petals.
"Tudor." We say in unison.
"I'm assuming you got this because you were in all the courts?" I ask as he turns around.
"Yes, I was with the War of the Roses, and then all the courts that followed. Though, I never held any real positions of note. I was a count, a lord, and I head a few other titles. Those of higher positions came to me for advice. Such as those on the privy council, the generals, Lord Privy Seal, and a few others. Though, they weren't just from the English court. I had many come from other countries." He said before kissing my cheek and handing me a pair of 6" spike black leather heels. I have to smile and take the heels. "Go ahead finish getting dressed. I'm going to put on my best. Then I want you to come to our room. I have one more gift for you for tonight. My beautiful queen." He says walking out of the room. I watch him and smile.
Sitting on the bed I slip on the black leather shoes and smile. Not the one I'd been taking with me to the fittings, but still the same height so the dress doesn't exactly touch the floor. Yet, the shoes do not show either. I whirl around watching the gown flow like black liquid. I feel almost whole and yet not too girly, but wow do I feel truly beautiful. I put the gloves on and the outfit is complete.
I walk out of the room and head down the hall to our bedroom. I knock lightly on the door. "Eirik.." I call out and walk in. Though, as I do, I am taken aback. Standing in front of me is a very handsome gentleman. Dressed in black tight cannions from the old times, a white lien shirt, black and gold embroidered doublet, and black leather boots over his knees. He looked liked a king from the 16th century. Truly handsome and beautiful. "All you need now is a king's crown." I say leaning against the door.
"It's been a long time since I wore anything like this. I would prefer my Armani suits over this. These clothes were uncomfortable then and still are to this day." He says pulling and readjusting everything.
"Stop fussing now. You look like a dream come to life. But that's just my opinion." I say fixing his doublet and attaching a fake dagger around his waist. " If you hate this so much then why dress like this?" I ask stepping back and grabbing a very beautiful livery collar from the queen Anne chair in front of the bed.
"Because I was asked to do so. So I am being nice and playing along. This is a themed exhibition. So I won't be the only one dressed like this." He says putting his livery collar on, adjusting it. After he finishes adjusting himself and making sure everything is in place he turned to me and kissed me sweetly. How could this man not make a woman go weak in the knees for him. Whether he was dressed from the 16th century, or in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. This man always looks like a walking wet dream. "Now for your other surprise." He takes my hand and walks me back over to the closet. He leaves me standing at the entrance and goes inside. Moments later he walks out with a white fox fur wrap for me.
"Oh my Eirik, really this is getting to be to much." I say as he wraps the fur around me. The softness of the fur brushing slightly against my bare skin. It's so white, so soft, so pure. I look at myself in the mirror. Memories of how my mom looked compared to now. I can see how I look like her. Beautiful, elegant, and it hit me. Yes, I'm going with a great guy, but what will Antony think? Will he be there with his new mate? Standing there I let my mind wonder. Uneasy starts to set in and I shake the negative thoughts away. The knowledge of Antony being there makes me both uneasy and wanting to impress. Why I care I don't know. I know one thing, I don't need to focus on that or him. I will be there with Eirik. Having him with me will make everything ok. I know I'll be safe.