Page 62 of Dark Princess: Shadows

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 amind 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?"

41

PETER

As Marina stopped to adjust her hair in front of one of the mall's many storefronts, Peter watched her reflection with a smile. Even two hours after the wedding dress fitting, her expression was still glowing.

"I'm starving," she announced, turning away from the window. "Can we stop by the food court? I'm craving a hamburger."

"Actually," he said, taking her hand, "I made reservations for us at a nice restaurant."

Marina's eyes lit up. "Where? Is it the place you took me last time?"

"No, it's notBy Invitation Only,but it's another very nice place."

"Good." She looked down at herself. "I dressed nicely for the fitting, but it's not elegant enough for that place."

"You look perfect for where I'm taking you." He guided her toward the nearest exit.

As they walked through the parking garage, Peter used the key fob to unlock his car and opened the door for her. "My lady?"

"Thank you," she said as she slid inside, and he closed the door behind her.

As Peter drove through downtown, Marina pressed her face close to the window, trying to guess their destination, but she didn't know the city well enough for that. He'd only taken her out of the village a few times so far.