(Jess pov)
I walked through the village holding a basket with my saved up money in it. Where I was going, the dresser for a outfit to this bonfire party. I didn't know what other fancy people were going to wear, but I was apart of the village so I would stick out just by the look of it. I didn't mind that much since I probably would never see those people again. What really scared me was to meet the prince. He was quite a beauty from what I heard from others.
As I walked into the dresser, the owner was surprised to see me but smiled happily. Him and I were really good with each other because I was friends with his son, Jax. We hadn't talked since the start of summer and now that it was winter I was starting to wonder what he had been up to.
"Hello Jess," He smiled, "It's nice to see you". I set down the bag near a small chair in the corner of the room and went to where he stood.
"It's nice to see you too sir, but I have to pick out an outfit. I was invited by the king personally to go to a bonfire" I informed him. He nodded and grabbed my arm, leading me to the back. As we made our way to the back I made eye contact with Jax, who smiled and waved. He was sewing a patch of a dress that he had probably ripped or had to finish for one of the girls in the village.
"what an invite!" the dresser exclaimed, "Is there a reason he wanted you?". As he spoke, he measured me for fitting and as Jax entered the room, the words spit out of my mouth.
"He wants me to be his son's husband" I practically yelled. My hand slapped over my mouth as the dresser and Jax froze and went completely silent. The dresser dropped the measurer he held and Jax's eyes were wide with surprise and he was stopped mid tracks.
"He wants you to be his what?" They both exclaimed. I mentally groaned at the fact I was able to say that so suddenly. If anyone else heard it, the whole village would hear about it. I didn't want the word to get around all the way until I made the decision.
"Yes, please quiet down. I have to make a decision first" I muttered, putting a finger to my lips and letting him continue. He took at least an hour until he came out with the most beautiful mix of a dress and a suit. It was a suit with a flannel that only buttoned at the bottom and at the top showed at least have the wearer's stomach and a cropped top. The bottom half was more of a skirt with a train in the back that almost hit the floor but it didn't. Its walls all black and white.
"Why don't you try it on?" He asked, putting the outfit in my hands.
"I-Is this okay? It looks way too revealing" I said, blushing. The dresser shook his head.
"You're trying to impress him. You have to wear something like this. Plus all the fancy women will be wearing something way worst so just go for it" He said, "And keep it for free. You were always there for this store and I want to be one of the first to see you smiling happily when you find what you truly want" He said.
I smiled slightly and hugged him, almost forgetting Jax was there. In a quick movement, the dresser was back with my basket and handed it over to me.
"Go spend your money on the books instead." Jax cut in, "It might be your last time to see the library". I went over to him and hugged him which made him tense for a minute before hugging back tightly. He then let go and I went off out of the store with the outfit and basket in hands.
When I got home there was mother outside, waving at me with a smile. I waved back and skipped over to her. She looked at the outfit and hurried me to go try it on. When I came out she smiled happily, tearing up from it. I hugged her.
"Your growing up so fast!" She stated, "You look gorgeous" She wiped her tears from her eyes and smiled again. That's when dad walked into the room and saw my outfit.
"Nu-uh" He shook his head, "No one is seeing my son so revealed" He disagreed, "Everyone at the party will see this. No. Nope. Not happening. You aren't getting raped today" He said, trying to usher me towards my room to get some clothes. I got away from him and when I entered the living room with mom I giggled.
"It's ok father, I have it covered," I said, dusting off my outfit. Pleased with myself I turned to them. "Should I go order a carriage?" I asked.
"Nope...I got you one..."