Chapter 84: Chapter 84

~ NYSSA

Rather than just sit and let me order one online like I’d originally planned, Aria decided we were going shopping.

She was so excited for someone who had no idea what I was planning but I couldn’t complain because I needed the support in order to pull off the drama I wanted.

She drove me to a stunning white building with no signboard at the front and a crystal chandelier in the middle of the lobby. The floors were tiled and the attendants wore tailored suits and formal wear.

I shuffled awkwardly on my feet.

“I think this place might be a bit out of my tax bracket,” I whispered to her.

I didn’t make a shit ton as the Beta of the pack, and now that I was technically unemployed, I couldn’t afford to spend thousands on a dress.

“Don’t worry about it,” she assured me, brushing me off as she made her way over to the woman at the front desk. “Please tell Jean Luc that Aria is here.”

The girl nodded, bowing low before picking up the intercom right next to her. She repeated Aria’s instructions and there was silence for a long minute before she hung up and turned to us.

“He will be waiting for you inside. Please take the first door to your left.”

Aria didn’t even bother to thank her, she just tugged me ahead.

“Do you always get special treatment because you’re the princess?” I asked. “It must be nice.”

“Yes, but Jean Luc isn’t agreeing to see us because I’m the princess. We’ve been friends since I was seven. He made all my dresses for major events. He’s very nice, I think you’ll like him.”

She pushed the door open and a tall man in a bedazzled suit greeted us with outstretched arms.

His hair was long; brushing his collarbone and dyed like a rainbow at the edges. His nails were pained the same colorful shades as the end of his hair and his lips were pulled out into a wide smile.

He hugged Aria, placing air kisses on either side of her cheek before making his way over to me and doing the same. I’d be lying if I said I knew how to react to the affection. I wasn’t used to strangers being so… warm and eccentric.

“It has been a while,” he drawled, the hint of an accent peeking out. “To what do I owe the pleasure? What kind of dress do you need?”

“Actually, I don’t… Nyssa does.”

His mouth formed an o as he turned to me. “So you are the King’s mate.”

I wanted to deny it, but I figured there was no use. It wasn’t a thing of shame to be Rowan’s mate, and there was no use hiding it when we’d both agreed to give it a chance.

“That’s me,” I chuckled awkwardly. “I’m sorry for coming so impromptu, I didn’t—”

“Nonsense!” he announced suddenly. “Any friend of Aria is a friend of mine. I am more than happy to help you today. So, is there a celebration coming soon? I have heard so much about you, I knew it was only a matter of time before the official ceremony.”

My cheeks burned hot at his words. “There’s no celebration.”

He sighed, clicking his tongue. “Men, I never know what to do with them. I know he is the King but how could he have someone so beautiful and not make a move yet? You are outstanding, look at your perfect cheekbones!”

I’d never had anyone compliment me so openly before.

My face burned with embarrassment and I wanted nothing more than to run and hide behind one of the large mannequins in the room.

“Thank you.”

He waved off my gratitude. “There will be a celebration soon, mark my words. He will be a fool to not do so and my King is no fool.”

I chose not to respond to that mostly because I wasn’t sure how to. “The dress I need is for a date.”

He lit up like I’d told him he just won the lottery, clapping his hands in glee.

I watched as he carefully walked around me, taking me in like he was analyzing every inch of my body. It didn’t feel predatory, but it sure as hell felt weird.

Aria lowered herself into one of the purple couches, legs crossed as she watched with amusement as Jean Luc twirled a strand of my hair around his fingers and trailed a hand over my arms and shoulders all the while murmuring words to himself under his breath.

“You will look beautiful in a deep blue,” he commented. “Silver will also do wonders to your skin. What kind of dress are you going for? Something sophisticated or—”

“I want something that will make his mouth drop.”

His lips curled into an amused smile and a low chuckle rumbled through his chest. “I have just the right dresses for you, ma cherie. Would you like to come with me or would you be comfortable changing here?”

I looked around the room.

It was fairly large, I was sure at least six more people could fit in here comfortably, but we seemed to be alone. There were mirrors on every side of the room with long purple couches for resting.

The dressing rooms were to the side but I suppose there was no use hiding. It was just us three, and he’d be there no matter what to help me fit into the dresses.

“I’m fine here,” I said finally.

“Perfect, let me get the dresses and I will be right back.”

He whistled to himself as he walked out of the room leaving me standing there under Aria’s watchful gaze.

“What the hell are you planning?” she asked, lips curled into a smile.

I shrugged. “Nothing.”

“You’re going to make him jealous, aren’t you?”

There was no use denying it. “Maybe.”

She laughed loudly. “It will be fun to give him a taste of his medicine. I don’t know what your exact plan is, but I want the details. Consider it my payment for the dress.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Deal.”

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