"In a week?!" Queen Thalia's eyes widened when Lauren told the Monserrate family the next morning that Alec and she agreed to hold their wedding in a week.
"Aren't you rushing it too much, Lauren? You were so hesitant to marry those gentlemen who were laid in front of you, and now you are desperate to get married? This is unbelievable!" the Queen dropped her utensils, refusing to eat more as she had lost her appetite.
"You call it a change of heart, Your Majesty. Aren't you happy? I finally made use of something you taught. I stopped my silly games and I am now intent on being a good wife. A mother should be proud."
"Did you have a change of heart or are you just desperate to cling on to power, so you grabbed the opportunity presented to you? After all, everyone knows how influential Lord Everston is," Cassandra said.
Lauren chuckled. "Doesn't every lady dream to marry a man of power, Cassie? If you were in my place, would you say no to a man like Lord Everston? I highly doubt it. Besides, I'm a princess. It would be a shame to our father if I choose someone who is not beneficial to the royal family."
"But you already had Lord Merriweather's son, Lauren," Eloise butted in. "Peterson is a good man and I'm certain he will follow his father's footsteps and serve the council. Lord Everston is supposed to marry-"
"Cassandra?" Lauren kept a smile on her face, annoying her sisters and stepmother more. "What can I do, though? The lord dropped a name and it was mine. He chose me. We can do nothing about that, can we?"
"You could have declined his proposal and honored your engagement with Peterson Merriweather instead," Cassandra blurted out with a gaze that could cut a person in half.
"Oh, let's be real here. Peterson may be a nice man, but he is nowhere near Lord Everston. Where were you last night anyway? It was Peterson himself who said that Lord Everston would suit better as my husband. He did not honor our engagement first, so why would I?"
"You knew Cassie likes him-"
"Enough of this discussion," King Martin interrupted his daughters. "Breakfast is not a time for argument. It has already been decided. Lord Everston wants to marry Lauren and there is nothing else to be done. As long as he is part of the royal family, our empire will benefit from it. As for you Eloise and Cassandra, you have nothing to worry about. I shall make sure you marry men of royal or noble status."
The Queen and her daughters did not have a choice but to shut their mouths. As for Lauren's wedding date, the King had nothing against it. He advised Lauren to lead the wedding preparations, which was why after the chaotic breakfast she had with her family, she went out to meet Vivian.
Lauren asked Vivian to meet her in a store in the town instead of going to La Fleur. Her engagement to Alec was yet to be announced, and she did not want to spark another controversy if people would see her in a brothel.
"No offense meant, but I had this thought your plan would not work out."
Lauren smirked. Vivian had always been brutally honest and that was why she liked her.
"But I made it possible, didn't I? Now, if you would shed some light, Madame Locket, will you help me choose a wedding dress?"
Vivian's eyes narrowed, leaning close to Lauren so she could whisper. "You tell me. Is this really not a real wedding between you two, or did you secretly anticipate this to happen? After all, Lord Everston has it all. Looks, money, power, position..."
"Indeed, I anticipated this but it's not like what you think. Romance is definitely out of the picture, Vivian. He is the perfect person I can use to get what I want."
Lauren was reminded of the first rule Alec gave last night. She smirked. There was no way she would allow love to ruin her plans. She even doubted if she was capable of having such a strong affection for someone.
Vivian wrinkled her nose. "That is a shame. I thought you were excited to walk down the aisle even though it is not a typical marriage."
What Lauren was excited about was how she could finally move forward with her plans. Walking down the aisle… well, she had thought about it, and it actually did not enthrall her. In fact, the idea made her a little anxious. She could still remember how her mother used to say that walking down the aisle was the most satisfying feeling a lady could feel, even though Lady Mildred did not experience it herself.
"Nevertheless, it is still something to look forward to, isn't it? I am expecting your presence. You are the bride's best friend, after all," Lauren said as they entered another renowned boutique in the town.
"But I'm afraid you sisters will throw me in the palace's dungeon if they see my face," Vivian said. Most people in high society had shunned those people beneath them, especially the kind where she belonged. There were only a few who showed her respect, Lauren included, and it was nothing new to her.
"Fret not, they will surely be busy sulking that day, so they will not spare you any attention. Besides, it is the start of my plans. You should be there to celebrate with me."
When the boutique's owner saw Lauren, the lady in her late forties hurried to assist the princess.
"Your Highness! What can I offer you today?" Despite the bad reputation, Lauren always made sure to compensate those people who accommodated her very well and people knew that.
"I need a dress. A wedding dress to be specific."
"Oh, is it for your wedding with Mr. Merriweather? But Lady Merriweather already had your dress customized. I had it sent to the palace two days ago." The owner's eyes widened. "Perhaps, isn't it up to your liking? That is why your wedding was moved?"
How thoughtful Lady Merriweather was, Lauren thought. She could have been a good mother-in-law.
"Actually-"
Before Lauren could finish, someone outside the boutique shouted which caught everyone's attention.
"Lord Merriweather is found dead!"