Just over half an hour later Elsie wriggled her toes. ‘It’ll be fun. She said. It’ll be quick. She said.’
She shot Amalia a look from the chair in which she was being very, very still so the hairdresser and make-up artist and nail technician could all work miracles. ‘I’m super glad I am not a princess.’
‘Me too.’ Amalia chuckled. ‘But you have to admit this is a little bit fun.’
Yeah, Elsie hadn’t really meant it. Because the secret pleasure of having people wash and comb out her hair, paint her nails and make her feel pretty? It was lovely. She’d apologised a billion times because she hadn’t had a trim in for ever, but the hairdresser had brushed aside her murmurings with a smile.
‘The dress is perfect,’ Amalia added, looking pleased.
Amalia had helped her choose a column dress the deep navy of Silvabon. The fact it was both sleeveless and strapless had been a sticking point, but it was the best of the bunch in terms of subtlety and that was what she wanted. Inoffensive and not eye-catching. Elsie didn’t want to breathe in case it slipped. Amalia assured her it wouldn’t and the seamstress had supplied her with tape.
‘Which shoes?’ Amalia danced in front of the five pairs Callie had set out.
‘I can’t do heels that high,’ Elsie shook her head at the stunning black stilettos with the red sole.
‘Satin ballet slippers?’ Amalia held some up.
‘Mmm, not going to make me any taller.’
‘What did you want, stilts?’ An amused voice came from behind them.
Elsie spun around and Amalia smothered her giggle.
‘I’ve told you before not to sneak up on people,’ she said bluntly. ‘Especially when they’re still getting dressed.’
‘You look dressed to me.’ His gaze dropped down her body.
Fiery awareness flickered across her skin as he took in her appearance, but she hadn’t exactly rendered him speechless. Whereas now she’d taken a second to see him? She almost swallowed her tongue.
He was wearing a tuxedo with a navy sash that had gold trim and an insignia. Not full royal regalia but enough to remind all who he was. The star of the show. Her pulse skipped infuriatingly. Her reaction in secret places? Mortifying.
‘Are you wearing that bathrobe tonight, Amalia?’ Felipe asked idly.
‘Two minutes.’ Amalia dashed to her dressing room.
Without another word, the assistants cleared the room.
Elsie stared as the door closed behind them and then turned to look at him. ‘Does it take them long to master the mind-reading thing?’
He chuckled. ‘You didn’t see my signal.’
‘You literally just lift your little finger? Is that so you don’t tire your voice?’
He ignored her and scooped up a pair of shoes. ‘These would be good.’
She ground her teeth, not wanting to give him the points for picking the best pair. Mid-level heel but with pretty straps. ‘You’re not putting them on me.’
‘So that’s a yes?’ He smiled.
She awkwardly took the shoes from his hand. ‘Thank you, fairy god—’
‘I will silence you with my little finger, Elsie,’ he said huskily. ‘Or better yet, make you scream.’
She froze at the shockingly sexually tinged threat. Then bent to hide the scorching blush on her skin. With just his little finger?
‘I’m pleased,’ he murmured as she strapped on the shoes. ‘Generally you manage to ignore most things I suggest.’
‘Was it a suggestion?’ she echoed. ‘I thought it was another of your orders. You being the King and all.’