Dark Princess: Shadows (The Children Of The Gods Paranormal Romance #89)

40. Marina

40

MARINA

M arina's stomach fluttered with excitement as Peter guided the car through the city streets. She didn't get to leave the village often, and certainly not in the morning when she was supposed to work, but today was a special day. She was finally going to see the wedding dress that Amanda's designer friend was making for her and get it properly fitted.

Glancing at her fiancé's profile, she marveled for the thousandth time at how she'd gotten so lucky and managed to capture the heart of this incredible immortal.

His chiseled features were softened by a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You know," Peter turned to look at her, "I plan on sneaking a peek in the dressing room. Just a little preview."

Marina gasped in horror. "Don't you dare, Peter! It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the big day."

"Nonsense." He chuckled, reaching over to squeeze her hand. "It's a silly human superstition. I'm an immortal, love."

"Well, I'm still human." Marina entwined her fingers with his. "And I'm not taking any chances. Promise me that you won't peek."

He pouted, pretending disappointment. "Fine. I promise."

Relief washing over her, Marina relaxed back into her seat. As excited as she was to try on the dress, she was also stressed. What if she hated it?

Would she dare criticize Amanda's friend?

It was probably better to pretend she loved it and make everyone happy.

But what about her?

Didn't she deserve to be happy on her special day?

"What are you still frowning about?" Peter asked. "I promised that I wouldn't peek."

"It's not that." She sighed. "I'm worried that I'm not going to like the dress. What am I supposed to do then? I can't tell Amanda's friend that her design is bad."

"No, you can't say that, but you can tell her that you had something else in mind. I want you to have the best wedding dress you can imagine, and I don't want you to compromise because you don't want to step on anyone's toes. If need be, I'll pay for a new gown." He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Was he the best or what?

"I love you." She lifted their conjoined hands and kissed his knuckles.

When they pulled up in front of the boutique, though, Marina was forced to reevaluate Peter's proposal. The place had its own valet parking, and the storefront screamed exclusivity.

Amanda had refused to tell her how much the dress she'd commissioned was costing Peter, and he also had refused to disclose the information, but given this location, it must cost a fortune. There was no way she was letting Peter pay for another one. She would just have to accept anything that Vivienne had come up with.

"Peter," she whispered as he handed the keys to the valet, "how much is this dress costing you? Please tell me."

He wrapped an arm around her waist, guiding her toward the boutique's entrance. "Don't worry about the cost, love. You deserve the dress of your dreams, and I'm more than happy to pay for it."

After Peter rang the bell, it took a few moments until the door swung open, and the woman who greeted them wasn't Vivienne, who Marina had seen on the video call Amanda facilitated on her tablet. That woman had been older and dark-haired, while this one was younger, closer to Marina's age, with light brown hair and a warm smile.

"Welcome," the woman said, ushering them inside after they had given her their names.

The boutique's interior was even more luxurious than the exterior had hinted at, with all soft lighting, sleek leather, and plush fabrics.

"I'm Clarisse, Vivienne's assistant," the woman said. "She's waiting for you in the fitting room, Marina." She turned to Peter. "Would you like something to drink while you wait? We have cappuccino, Perrier..."

"A cappuccino would be lovely, thank you." Peter gave Marina's hand one last encouraging squeeze before walking over to the couch and sitting down.

Marina hadn't been offered a drink, but it made sense, given that she was about to try on a very expensive white dress.

Best not to risk any spills.

"Right this way, Marina," Clarisse said, gesturing toward a doorway draped with a shimmering fabric.

Marina cast Peter one last glance before following Clarisse, and he blew her an air kiss and mouthed, "I love you."

As they entered the fitting room, she was greeted by Vivienne herself. "Marina, darling!" The woman enveloped her in a warm hug. "You're even more beautiful in person than on the screen."

She probably said that to all her clients, but it was still nice to hear. "Thank you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

Vivienne's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Now, I hope you don't mind, but I made a few modifications to the original design we discussed. I was inspired by your unique coloring." She gestured to Marina's blue hair. "If you don't like the changes, we can always go back to the original, less elaborate design."

Marina's heart skipped a beat, and her hands turned clammy. Changes? Just how fancy had this dress become?

She hadn't wanted anything too elaborate. The design she had chosen was elegant and simple.

"I'm sure it's beautiful," she managed a pathetic whisper.

Vivienne beamed, moving toward a dress form covered by a sheet. "Are you ready for the great reveal, darling?"

Marina nodded, not sure that she was ready for what Vivienne was about to show her, but it wasn't as if she had a choice and could say that, no, she wasn't ready, and ask why her wishes hadn't been followed.

With a flourish Vivienne pulled away the sheet, revealing the gown beneath, and Marina's breath caught in her throat.

The word 'beautiful' didn't do it justice. This dress was a masterpiece, a work of art that seemed to have sprung from the pages of a fairy tale and belonged in a museum dedicated to royalty.

Marina had chosen the mermaid silhouette, but it flared out dramatically near the bottom. The plunging sweetheart neckline was adorned with sheer off-the-shoulder sleeves that lent an air of romance and elegance to the design. But it was the details that truly took Marina's breath away. The entire dress, from the bodice to the edge of its sweeping train, was covered in intricate embroidery and beadwork. Swirling, ornate patterns danced across the ivory satin, creating a mesmerizing effect.

And then there were the blue accents. Vivienne had incorporated Marina's signature hair color into the design, with blue gemstones and beads strategically placed within the embroidery. It tied everything together, making the dress uniquely, perfectly hers.

"It's... it's..." Marina struggled to find words, her eyes filling with tears. "Perfect."

Vivienne clapped her hands. "Marvelous. I was afraid you would think it was too much, but I just couldn't help it. My hand had a mind of its own as it drew the lines of embroidery and added the blue accents. It was kissed by a muse. I'm sure of it. Now, shall we see how it looks on?"