Chapter 19

My cheeks were burning and my toes were frozen.

"Viscount Rosenbloom, Viscountess."

I didn't know how Newt was holding up so well. He knew everyone's name and the smile never left his face. My face had frozen in a smile and I just nodded to anyone who passed by us.

Antonietta had invited around 400 people. Two hundred of them were members of Brittanican high society, parliament members, and the rest were prominent foreigners.

I knew very little of them but Newt didn't struggle to greet everyone who came through the doors.

I was almost jealous.

I didn't understand how he could be so perfect.

His appearance was never lacking, he was never rude to anyone, social graces came easily to him, and he always knew what to do and say.

I wanted to know the secret.

However, I never got around asking him.

I had to go to a dress fitting.

"Tighter," Antonietta walked around again "Tighter, Tighter, Give it another tug and then measure her."

I felt the little air that was in me leave my body and my torso lurched backwards.

The girl measured my waist and then stepped back.

"Seventeen inches, your highness."

Antonietta raised an eyebrow.

"Let it out a little. Not so much! I don't want her to faint but her natural waist makes me want to cry. 28 inches! Your mother can never be trusted to do the right thing."

I narrowed my eyes at the woman before me.

"What waist does the dress allow for?" I asked, once I was able to breathe.

"Well I told them to allow for twenty inches in case we needed it but it can be pulled tighter to get our desired 18. It won't look loose. Don't worry."

Perhaps but you underestimate me.

She was delusional if she thought I was going to walk around with my corset that tight.

Some bribing was in order.

Fixing my reputation and making sure I was able to breath was going to cost me all of this month's allowance and we weren't even halfway through it. And how could I forget the fortune we spent at the fair.

It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I waited until Antonietta left.

"The corset is rather tight don't you think?"

The girl untied the laces of my wedding dress in silence.

"18 inches is quite ridiculous. Its also not very healthy. If I'm meant to carry the nations next heir, the least I could do is protect my health while we anticipate. Oh! Have you seen Agnes around? She's so inattentive. Pity for her I'm always generous to smart and attentive help."

She waited two seconds before responding.

"Well the dress can actually reach 25 inches, my madam hardly ever does anything less than 21 when girls have shoulders your size. Its very dangerous otherwise. My madam left that bit out when the Dowager asked."

Such a smart girl.

"What your name?"

"Sonya, your highness."

"Well Sonya, how invested are you in this career?"

"It depends on who's asking."

Yes, she would be wonderful.

"If you're interested, I have a position open for a lady in waiting. Teresa is getting awfully bored and I think Agnes found new friends and ditched us."

She really hadn't but I seemed like a nice touch to add.

"I'll have to talk with my parents but I am grateful and honored by the offer your highness."

There was a knock on the door and I looked at Sonya through the mirror.

She handed me a periwinkle pink robe and headed for the door.

Sonya opened it slowly but I jumped when I saw who it was.

"James!"

I swiveled and paced towards him.

He bowed ceremoniously and took off his feathered hat.

"Your Majesty,"

I curtsied. "Your royal highness."

He straightened and I saw his eyes pop out of his head.

He covered his mouth.

"Is this- Is this it?"

He walked past me and towards the wedding dress that was on the wooden figure.

James felt the fabric on the dress, he picked up the sleeves and looked at the stiches, he then proceeded to prod and pull the beads and fringes. Sonya nearly died.

"Its absolutely gorgeous. You have to tell me the name of your tailor. I'm in need of new wardrobe. I want to travel the continent and I can't do it in these rags-"

There was a knock on the door, Sonya stopped packing up the shoes I was going to wear tomorrow, before she could get to the door James interceded.

"Who is it? We're busy in here so this better be urgent."

There was a moment of hesitation. "Uh It's me, Newt, I need to speak with Roan."

James dropped the wig he had been fiddling with.

I rolled my eyes until he started harassing me.

"Just a moment!" James called.

He was trying to wrestle my robe off me.

"James! What are you doing?!"

"He can't see the dress! Its bad luck you fool! If he sees it- The Count of Blome saw his wife's wedding dress and to this day they don't have an heir. That cannot be you Roan. I'll die of sympathy."

He got the robe off after a heated battle and tried his best to cover the dress then he made Sonya take off her apron and stand in front of the patch the robe couldn't reach.

James finally let Newt in but not before making sure his hair was smoothed down. Its dishevelment was the aftermath from our battle.

Newt shuffled in but stopped in his tracks when he took in the site before him.

I hadn't realized I had been left in my slip.

I crossed my arms over my chest and tried to appear nonchalant.

Newt put his hands behind his back and looked above my head when he spoke.

The perfect gentleman, as always.

"I would like for us to spend the lunch hour with my Uncle. We need to go over some official business before the wedding and he's always more manageable when he is eating."

"Oh all right. Let Sonya help me dress and I'll head over with you."

"I'll wait outside."

Newt looked over to James when he didn't head for the door.

James was too busy trying to pull the robe fully across the wedding dress so he didn't notice.

"James, its been so long since I've seen you. I would love to know what you've been up to." Newt said, while he waited by the door.

James blinked and I saw his body shift from its natural state to the practiced façade.

"Newt, everyone knows you hate hunting, why don't you tell me what you've been up to?"

James walked out straight and the jump in his step was replaced by even and steady steps.

I was left frowning after the door shut. I would have kept staring at it, had Sonya not coughed.

"I think Agnes brought in my Lunch dress. If its not around just put me in whatever you find."

Sonya dressed me in a lavender dress,

"If I may say, your highness, I think you and the Prince will make a lovely couple. Even if Isabelle Winchester says otherwise."

Perhaps Sonya was too smart. She was trying to curry my favor and if she knew to bring up Isabelle to do it I was either being too careless or she was too cunning.

Neither were good but I wasn't going to waste a chance to get new information.

"What does Isabelle say?"

"She says that Newts only marrying you to undermine Hiberia but that after a week of marriage he'll come to his senses and send you back. They were supposed to get married but then Isabelle was caught in an unsavory situation with a rake. Prince Newt forgave her but things weren't the same. Lady Teresa caught them and ratted Isabelle out to all the newspapers. I thought the monarchy was going to collapse from all the scandal but then the regent made some tax cuts and everyone forgot about it."

I tried my best to remain calm.

Why was she telling me all of this?

"Every newspaper? I never heard of this scandal," Mother stopped telling of any scandals when I indirectly mocked her over it "Prince Newt must have been devastated."

"He was but he's much happier now. I never understood why the Prince took her back. He's always been very forgiving, many take advantage of it."

Well didn't that make me feel better.

With a heavy conscience, I walked out of the room.

Newt was waiting for me, alone. James must have grown bored and left.

"Ready?"

I nodded and he led the way.

I couldn't help but watch him from the corner of my eye.

We weren't even halfway there when I broke

I did the unthinkable and grabbed his arm to stop him.

"Newt just because I was a wimp and cried it suddenly means you have to forgive me. You can be as angry as you want at me. What I did was truly awful and I still scorch with embarrassment every time I think about it. So if you want to ignore me and be mad or say something awful that's fine. Actually, its more than all right."

Newt looked at me with a softness I had never seen before. His smile was small but it was warm.

"Roan, Can I tell you something?"

I looked around the hallway to make sure were alone.

I nodded my head.

"Right before my Father died, we had a terrible argument, he had done something…something unforgivable, so I told him that I hated him and that I would never forgive him. I went off to boarding school and time passed. Mother didn't want to alarm me and Fathers health had always been unbalanced so he had a spell and she didn't call me home because everyone thought it would pass but it didn't and he did. I never got to say a kind word to my father after that fight. That's why I forgive Roan. I don't want my last words to you or anyone else to be vile but more importantly something I don't mean."

"By God, you are perfect."

New shook his head and laughed.

"No one's perfect. Now come along Roan. Uncle doesn't like to be kept waiting."

"The only way to successfully avoid an uprising is by extending the regency a bit longer. Your popular opinion has to be strong and I have to lose some if we want the power to shift peacefully." Georgios put a piece of steak in his mouth when he was done talking.

I was pushing around the small tomatoes on my plate. I was not allowed to eat much since the wedding was tomorrow. Antonietta still thought that I was going to be wearing an 18-inch corset tomorrow so she made the cook give me light food.

"I can understand the concern Uncle but parliament will surely be upset if we push the coronation back any further." Newt said, taking a sip of his wine.

Georgios hit the table with his fist "Bah! Parliament!" He pointed the fork at Newt "Those mutts can't tell their right from their left. Their blood isn't like ours Newt. Its polluted," he kept waving the fork around "We can't cede any more power to them. Remember you are the purest of blood, yes you have that itty bitty issue of your fathers but that's why you're marrying her, " the fork came my way " You have the right to rule. No one else. Don't let yourself be pushed around by those fat cranks."

I dropped my fork. No one ever said crank like that. Saying crank like that was more offensive than offending someone's Mother. I looked at Newt.

He had decided to drink more wine. Newt sat the chalet down and calmly addressed his uncle.

"I understand but with a parliament the people feel more secure and are less likely to… revolt or protest."

New was having a hard time with his Uncle. His forehead was creased and the smile on his face was tentative and weak.

"I don't think signing away my regency would be the greatest thing for the kingdom. You yourself said the last thing you want is bloodshed. You'd need to go to parliament and ask them for an extension on my regency or a farther coronation date."

It was obvious Georgios didn't want to give up the throne. This lunch was to try and see if he would sign the papers before the coronation so Newt and I could start taking up some responsibilities and meet with parliament. The regent was having none of it.

"From our trip I noticed that the people are eager for Newts rule. I don't think the shift should cause any bloodshed. If your majesty would make an announcement or some sort of statement stating your support for Newts rule then even your strongest supporters will stand down. Oh and by the way, Newts approval ratings are the highest out of the royal family."

Georgios stopped chewing to look at me. He resumed chewing slowly, the whole time staring at me. I kept the eye contact, breaking away would only make me look weak.

"On the topic of approval ratings, how are yours?"

I narrowed my eyes "They are fine, they took a small dip three days ago but now they're fine."

"She was there to see me Uncle. Minho and I switched rooms. I explained all of this before"

The regent raised his eyebrows "Are you two consummating your marriage before the wedding day?"

I bristled with anger and burnt with embarrassment.

"Absolutely not." I said.

"Because if you are, I don't know what you're going to do if a certification is called. There has been talk in parliament of calling one. Of course, your mother would fight it to the ends of the earth," He pointed the fork at Newt "She doesn't want to take any risks. My question is why out of all the girls, it had to be you," the fork came towards me and stayed there "A girl so unrefined and uncivilized. The monarchy will never reach the regal and honorable standards of our ancestors with you in its linage."

He blew some air in repulsion and stood "I've lost my appetite."

His plate was finished.

The regent stormed off and slammed the door behind him.

I stared at Newt across the table.

I couldn't help but start laughing. I tried to cover my mouth, since laughing at the table was not appropriate but I didn't have much success.

"You are never getting that crown." I said, shaking my head, " I can't wait to hear his next excuse. I also can't believe he actually thinks people will revolt over him," I had to stop and laugh " Did you hear what he called me?"

I was having too much fun laughing that I didn't notice the sour look on Newts face.

"Its not funny Roan."

I nodded my head again " Yes it is. I can't wait to tell Janson."

I saw a smile appear on Newts lips.

"It was a little bit funny but we shouldn't celebrate his impertinence. If anyone ever heard what he said…"

I leaned back in my chair "All right, your royal highness, whatever you say."

"Are you done?" He gave a pointed look at my plate "We have one more thing to do before I can leave you alone."

I looked at my plate, it was almost empty but I didn't feel like finishing the rest.

"I'm done. You can lead the way."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Nope. I figured we better get started now. Most people usually do it after their wedding but most people usually do not have 400 guests."

"Do both of our signatures need to be on all of them?"

Newt stopped to think.

"Only on the foreign ones. Its good international relations. I also ordered special cards for Deadland Tribe members."

"Good call."

There needed to be 400 thank you cards sent out. For gifts, we had not seen. Newt gave me a stack and sat across from me with his own stack.

"How long do you think this is going to take?" I asked picking up one from the corner and looking at it with intense sadness.

"The sooner we start, the sooner we finish." He answered.

I sighed and scowled.

After about forty signatures, I decided to take a break. I started to massage my wrist with my left hand.

"What do you think about corsets Newt?" I asked.

Newt set his quill down and leaned back in his chair.

"I've never worn one so I can't say much. My mother says they're necessary for good posture but I assume they must be very uncomfortable. I couldn't stand being so restricted."

"I agree. That is why I bribed the dress maker. Your mother wanted 18 inches but I begged to differ."

"You bribed the dressmaker?" Newt asked, incredulously.

"I will once the deed is done. I mean unless you want me to faint on our wedding day. Then I'll take my bribe back."

"I would have recommended telling the dressmaker to just loosen the stays but knowing my mother it would be useless."

We continued signing thank you cards until Minho popped in much later on.

"I said it once and I'll say it twice. You two are so boring."

He plopped down on a couch and stared at the ceiling.

"If I was getting married tomorrow. I throw a wild party and have an orgy."

I rolled my eyes.

"No one wants to know Minho." Newt said.

"Unless I was marrying someone like me then I wouldn't. If was marrying either one of you I definitely would." Minho said, standing from the couch. He came across and looked over Newts shoulder.

"I've always envied your signature but I guess we're even. You know, with me deflowering your wife and everything." Minho burst into laughter.

I wanted to kill him.

"First of all, you didn't, second of all, that's not funny." I said, setting down my quill.

Minho looked at me suspiciously "Wait if I didn't, then who did?" He clamped his hand down on Newts shoulder "My man here doesn't move so fast with people he knows, care to enlighten us?"

"Your mere presence is the most obnoxious state, when you open your mouth it becomes unbearable."

"Oh Roan, don't be like that. We're all friends here. There's nothing to be afraid off."

I stood and pushed my chair back.

"Tomorrow is a big day and at five the dowager needs me, so if you excuse. I'll take my leave."

I headed for the door but Minho thought he should always have the last word.

"Unless you haven't been deflowered. It wouldn't surprise me, with you being a princess and all."

"Mind your own business Minho." Newt said, clearly annoyed.

"Well as your best friend and future royal advisor its my business to know certain things such as-"

I shut the door before Minho could finish.

The nerve.

"Ow! Ow! Ow!"

I reached out and stopped the maid from pulling my hair out of its roots.

"They need to be tight Roan otherwise they won't come out right." Antonietta said pushing the pin further into the rag. I felt it stab against my skull. She signaled for the maid to continue.

Once the maid was done, and my head was covered in white sausages. Antonietta promptly left. The rags were going to stay in over night. It was a precaution. Antonietta wasn't risking anything.

Agnes made sure I was in bed and that the fire had enough wood to last me through the night.

She gave me a long look before she wished me good night and left.

Agnes probably thought I was going to cry myself to sleep.

I had felt the burning sensation but I hated how much I cried so I fought it and pinched myself until it went away.

I don't think I fell asleep right away, I laid there for about an hour before I finally felt like sleeping.

I had been forced to bed earlier than usual so I wouldn't have any bags under my eyes

It didn't matter how much longer they had made the night, the morning would still come too soon.