Chapter 19 – Part 4

After they set the wedding date, preparations began the very next day.

“This seems a bit much.”

Eliana commented, glancing at the racks of clothes awaiting her choice.

“Oh, my goodness, no.”

Sophie and Merida, the new maids at the palace, waved their hands dismissively.

“This is only part of it.”

“What?”

Eliana was taken aback.

“We need to be meticulous with Lady Leiberte’s wardrobe for the wedding and reception. And honestly, this is just the simplified version in line with your tastes.“

‘I never imagined “simplified“ could mean something like this,‘ she thought.

The clothes Sophie and Merida had handpicked from the finest boutiques in the capital practically filled the room.

‘They’re all so elaborate and beautiful; I can’t even begin to choose.’

It wasn’t just the clothes. Since news of the wedding spread, jewelry shops and accessory stores around the capital had been abuzz, each hoping Eliana would choose at least one of their pieces, knowing that the future Empress’s selection would significantly boost sales.

“Please, try them on. We’ll help.”

“Alright, I’ll do that.”

Eliana planned to make all her choices by the end of the day. After selecting her attire for the reception, she narrowed her wedding dress options down to five.

“The Emperor is here.”

At that moment, an attendant’s voice announced Calix’s arrival. The maids stepped back from Eliana, giving way as he entered.

Calix strode into the room, his gaze fixed on Eliana, standing amid the white dresses.

“Is this for the wedding?”

He asked.

“Yes, I was just about to make my final decision. You came at the perfect time.”

Eliana clapped her hands together.

“Could you help me decide? With your input, I think I could choose more quickly.“

Since hearing she’d be selecting her wedding attire, Calix had been curious. Curious to see the dress she would wear on the day she became his. And, of course, to see Eliana’s beauty in that dress.

A small smile formed on Calix’s lips as he nodded.

“Show me.”

He sat down, nodding his approval.

“Sophie, could you help her into the dress?“

“Yes, leave it to us.”

Eliana tried on each wedding dress in turn, and Calix kept his gaze on her without looking away. Whenever she asked how each dress looked, he would tell her she looked beautiful and suited her well. He praised each of the five dresses equally, leaving her no closer to a decision.

Of course, since Sophie and Merida had painstakingly selected these dresses, it was no surprise they were all lovely. Still, it wasn’t helping.

“Calix, that’s not helpful,“ Eliana said with a minor complaint, standing in her final dress as she approached him.

“What isn’t?”

“If you say they’re all beautiful, it doesn’t help me at all,“ she protested, lightly tapping his shoulder in playful frustration. Her tone was half upset, half teasing. Calix looked as if he were trying to hold back a reaction, furrowing his brows slightly.

“Are you even paying attention?“

“I am.“

“Then why just say they’re all beautiful?“

“Because they really are,“ he replied, leaning in as he looked at her intently. “And, honestly…“

Calix’s gaze softened as he added, “All I can think about is how soon I can bring you back to my chambers, no matter what you’re wearing.“

Eliana’s cheeks flushed instantly. “What are you even saying…”

She felt so embarrassed.

‘The attendants and maidservants can hear everything,‘ she thought, mortified.

Trying to pull herself upright, Calix was quicker. He took her hand gently and pulled her closer. Standing just a hair closer, she wondered if he was about to kiss her. She dug her heels in, resisting the closeness, which only made him smile, amused.

“Go ahead, keep teasing. If you’re not here to help pick, you can leave. You’re only making things harder.“

“I came to help pick,“ he assured her, glancing over her face. He took in her rounded forehead, shapely nose, and delicately tapered chin and then down from the ornate bejeweled bodice to the exquisite train of the dress. Gently, he kissed her bare shoulder, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.

‘Not in front of everyone,‘ she thought, looking at him. ‘We’re not officially married yet.’

Trying to be respectful, the attendants and maidservants averted their eyes to avoid the couple’s affectionate moment.

“This dress, Eliana. Choose this one,“ he finally said.

“Shall I?“

“Yes. It’ll make you shine even more, although you’re radiant.“

“All right,“ she agreed with a nod. He was still looking at her, his gaze intense, almost as if he might devour her any moment, so she gave his hand a gentle shake to break free.

Even after the dress was chosen, Calix lingered in the room until every detail was finalized—jewels, shoes, and even the bags for the honeymoon. The only item left undecided was the crown, which wasn’t something she could choose for herself.

“Your happiness is truly evident,“ Merida said after everything was decided.

“What do you mean?“

“It’s impressive how much His Majesty cherishes you, just as all the rumors say.”

Eliana chuckled lightly. “I see.“

“Thank you for all your hard work, Sophie, Merida, and Mila,“ she said, grateful for their efforts.

“It’s our honor, truly. It’s a privilege to prepare for such a momentous day. Mila, who knows your tastes well, was also a tremendous help.”

Hearing this, Mila smiled nearby.

“There’s not much time left now, so please keep up the hard work a little longer,“ Eliana said with a smile.

***

As the wedding drew near, Calix and Eliana sent invitations to the guests. This was the empire’s most significant event since Calix’s coronation as emperor, so Logan was meticulous in the guest selection process.

Once the ministers, noble families, members of the High Council, and foreign dignitaries from allied nations had been verified, the invitations were sent.

Eliana personally delivered invitations to the noblewomen she had grown close to from Ayla’s orphanage.

“It’s such an honor for you to bring this in person!“

“It’s not much, but I’d be grateful if you could celebrate with us.“

“Of course, I’ll definitely be there!”

After handing out invitations to the ladies, Eliana left the café. Just as she was about to board her carriage, she heard a familiar voice. She turned at the sound of laughter and saw Maria, Bonita, and Janice chatting away as usual.

Bonita was the first to notice Eliana’s gaze. Her face stiffened as if the Madrino party had happened just yesterday.

As Eliana recalled, Bonita had suffered a significant humiliation from Calix that day due to her crude remarks about bets and wagers. After that, she hadn’t appeared at any parties for a while and had rarely been seen outside her house. It seemed she was now returning to her old ways.

‘She’s debating whether to greet me or not.’

Eliana quickly saw through Bonita’s inner conflict. Bonita, who had always ignored her, would have come over and made a snide comment in the past without a second thought. But now, things were different. Ignoring Eliana would bring Bonita peace of mind, but Eliana was soon the Empress, and such behavior could never benefit Bonita. However, her pride seemed too injured to let her lower herself first, leaving her visibly flustered.

“Oh, Eliana!“

Maria’s voice echoed as she stood and walked over to Eliana, who greeted her with a smile.

“Hello, Maria. How have you been?“

“I’ve been well! I’ve meant to see you and am glad to find you safe.”

The word “safe“ held layers of meaning. Eliana had been through an ordeal—kidnapping and then war. She was at the heart of these events.

“I’m glad to see you’re well too, Maria.“

“Thankfully, His Majesty ended the war quickly, so none of us faced serious harm. I’m truly grateful to him for creating a new empire.“

Maria’s sincerity was palpable.

“Oh, I heard your wedding is coming up soon.“

“Yes, it’s just around the corner.“

“Congratulations, Eliana. Even if I can’t attend in person, I’ll send my best wishes for your happiness.”

Eliana asked Mila to bring her bag. When Mila handed it over, Eliana took out a royal invitation like the ones she’d given to other noblewomen, a spare she’d prepared. The gold-embossed invitation gleamed.

“Maria, I would love for you to attend my wedding.”