Chapter 35
35
~Elara’s POV
Janae didn’t slow down. The cart was already wobbling under the weight of what we’d chosen, but she was on fire. “Okay, let’s check the next rack. I need a new top anyway. And maybe a dress for tonight.” She grabbed a glittery black mini dress and held it up like it was a trophy.
“Janae… do you really need I started, but she waved me off.
“Girl, I deserve it. I work hard. I need to look like a queen sometimes, okay? Don’t look at me like that.” She laughed, already tossing the dress over her arm.
I sighed quietly, feeling a little guilty. Her energy was impossible to resist, though, and slowly I started picking up a few more pieces too, dresses I’d never imagined wearing, tops with daring cuts.
“You sure you want that one?” I asked, holding a sparkling silver crop top.
“Yes, yes! Oh my goodness, this is cute p>
“This is going to be insane. I need to look good too, you know p>
I watched her for a moment, almost envious of her confidence. She came out of the changing room with the gown hugging her curves perfectly, hair bouncing as she twirled. “See? I told you. You just need to try stuff on and let it speak for itself p>
I bit my lip, glancing down at the cart, which now had shoes stacked on top of clothes. “I think… we might have gone a little overboard p>
Janae waved a hand dismissively. “Overboard? Please. This is how shopping works when you’re about to step into someone else’s world. You can’t be half-prepared p>
I muttered something under my breath, but she didn’t hear me. She was already pointing at a wall of sparkling heels. “Okay, now these! Pick at least three. No arguments p>
I held up a pair of soft pink stilettos. “Are these really necessary p>
“Yes. Yes, they are. And don’t give me that shy face p>
Finally, we approached the counter, our carts piled high with everything we had chosen. My stomach sank as the boutique attendant scanned each item, the numbers climbing faster than my heart.
“Oh… wow,” I muttered under my breath, staring at the total. My fingers hovered over the black card nervously. “We… we spent that much p>
Janae snatched it from me, holding it up dramatically. “Girl, calm down. This is a black card. You do not run out of money here p>
I blinked. “I… I know, but… it still feels like a lot. Like like I shouldn’t take it all p>
“Stop overthinking, Elara.” She winked, sliding the card back into my hand. “Just enjoy it. Wear it. Live a little p>
The boutique staff, along with Fridolf, began packing our things carefully into the car. I watched silently as every box and bag was loaded, feeling both amazed and guilty at the same time.
“Honestly,” I whispered, “this is… It’s a lot to take in p>
Janae patted my shoulder. “It’s fine, Elara. You need to wear these. Don’t hide. This is the start of your new look. Just… own it, okay p>
I nodded quietly, not trusting my voice.
We climbed into the car, the engine humming as we left the boutique behind. Fifteen minutes later, the mansion came into view. Janae gasped audibly.
“Wait… is this She couldn’t finish the sentence. The gates opened smoothly, and the driveway stretched out in front of us, flanked by perfectly trimmed gardens. As we stepped out, the maids and guards bowed deeply.
“Your Majesty,” they greeted in unison.
Janae’s jaw nearly hit the floor. “Whoa… she’s literally royalty. Look at this place! I can’t even She spun around, taking it all in. “I didn’t know mansions could look like this p>
She practically dragged me inside, gaping at the marble floors, the sweeping staircases, and the way the light poured through enormous windows. By the time we reached my room, she was practically vibrating.
“Oh my goodness,” she breathed, stepping inside. “This… this is insane. And… it all matches your style. Look at this! It’s… wow. Everything feels so you p>
I let a small giggle escape. “I… I guess it does p>
We put down our bags, and the room instantly felt like a colourful tornado had hit it. Clothes were spilt over the bed, shoes were scattered across the floor, and handbags leaned precariously against the walls. I laughed, a soft, slightly embarrassed sound, as I tried to make some sense of the chaos.
“Oh my gosh,” Janae squealed, spinning in place like a kid in a candy store. “Look at all this! I can’t even… It’s insane!” She lunged for a sparkly clutch, holding it up like she’d discovered treasure.
I smiled faintly, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease a little. “I… I guess it’s… a lot.” My fingers brushed over a sequined top, the fabric cool and slightly rough under my touch. It was unlike anything I’d ever worn, but somehow it felt exciting.
Janae bounced around, grabbing shoes, tops, and scarves. “Try this! No, this! You have to try that one too!” She flopped onto the bed with a pair of sparkling heels, wiggling her toes inside them for fun. “Ohhh, they’re so cute! Imagine you walking in these, Alpha Darlon won’t even know what hit him p>
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the giggle that slipped past my lips. “You’re insane, you know that p>
“And you’re letting me be,” she shot back, throwing a bright pink scarf at me. “Use it, mix it, slay the game! Come on, Elara, let’s actually have some fun with this. Life is too short to be shy, okay p>
Her eyes suddenly gleamed with mischief, and she reached into one of the overflowing shopping bags. In a swift motion, she pulled out a body-hugging dress, a deep red number, glossy and sharp, catching the candlelight in a way that made it impossible to look away. Her grin was wide, triumphant, almost like she had just won a battle.
“Elara! You have to wear this. Make sure Alpha Darlon sees every curve, got it? Don’t you dare be shy about it!” Her voice was playful but commanding, leaving no room for argument.
I froze, staring down at the dress in my hands, heat creeping up my neck and chest. My fingers fumbled over the silky fabric, unsure if I should be terrified or excited. “Janae… I… I don’t know if p>
“No. No excuses,” she interrupted, stepping closer and shoving the dress lightly into my hands. “You wear this. Tonight, or any night. Make him notice you, alright? Go on. Don’t overthink it p>
I swallowed, cheeks burning, my heart thudding in my chest. Half embarrassed, half grateful, I finally nodded. “Okay… okay, I’ll… wear it p>
Her triumphant grin only grew wider. “That’s my girl. Own it. Confidence is everything. And remember, I’m watching. Don’t disappoint p>
We managed to grab a quick meal before it was time for her to leave, laughing and joking between bites. The mansion smelled faintly of the evening air mixed with the rich aromas from the dining hall, roast meat, fresh bread, and a hint of sweet wine.
Finally, she picked up her bag and moved toward the door, clicking her heels loudly on the polished floor. I followed her outside and turned to Fridolf, who was already waiting outside, standing straight, calm, and composed as always. “Fridolf, please take her home safely,” I said quietly but firmly, gesturing toward Janae.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” he replied smoothly, bowing slightly before opening the door for her. Janae waved dramatically, her grin still wide as she climbed in. I watched the car pull away.