Chapter 207

It is with greatest pleasure that the King and Queen announce the betrothal of their beloved son, the crown Prince of Wales to Ms. Pearl Clarke.

The wedding will take place in the fall of this year. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course.

His royal highness and and Ms. Clarke became engaged in Italy just yesterday and his majesty the King and her majesty, the Queen consort, couldn't be more pleased. Prince Erik received the King's blessing as well as the blessing of other members of the royal family. Prince Erik also sought and received the blessing of Pearl's closest loved ones.

The couple will share their time living at Clarence House and Highgrove House.

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Pearl saw the announcement on all social media, the official website, and the news networks. It was everywhere. It was real.

There was a knock at the door and the maid opened it to reveal Alice standing there, and pulling a bag up behind her was Nico.

"Oh my goodness. What are you both doing here?" Pearl asked.

"It's your first event as the princess to be. Erik flew me out and apparently this... person, also."

Alice said.

"I am Nico Natalli and I am Pearl's personal stylist." Nico said.

"Oh no you're not." Alice said.

"Oh yes I am." Nico argued back.

"Please. Please, both of you. Pearl is going to need you both. So, when Alice can't be there or just for basic appearances, we are going to need Nico and are happy to welcome him. Alice, you will be an incredible mentor to him. Nico, thank you for coming." Erik said. Alice sighed and said, "Fine. I have with me two dresses for tonight. Let's look at them and decide between them and then what else needs to be done." Nico nodded.

Erik shook his head and went back to the patio to finish his tea.

Pearl followed him out. "Nightingale, we are going to be busy. We have a photographer coming here tomorrow to take our official engagement photograph. And then an interview with the BBC when we arrive back at Highgrove. And after that, and this one is huge, a meeting with the producer and director of the new James Bond movie they are making." Erik said.

"Really? Why does he want to meet with us?" Pearl asked.

"And the band as well, they are interested in Poems for Wolves doing the theme song for the new movie, 'Tonight and Always." He said, smiling.

"What?!? That's amazing!" Pearl said, clapping.

"Yes. And I am going to make a cameo in it." Erik said.

"Wow. How fun! I can't wait to talk to the guys about it." Pearl said.

"Don't. I am flying them to London next week. They think they are coming to help plan an engagement party for us. I want to surprise them." Erik said. "Now, go relax, take a bath, and enjoy yourself while you get ready for tonight. There is a bottle of champagne waiting for you in the bathroom."

Pearl loved this man so much. She didn't think he could be more perfect, if he tried.

She took the longest bath she had ever taken and walked out to find Alice and Nico actually getting along. "We decided on THE dress for tonight." Nico said. He held up a gorgeous pale colored, sequined gown.

Alice took the liberty of describing it. "It's Pamela Roland, Champagne and blush ombré embellished cross hatch sequin gown with an off-the-shoulder, deep sweetheart neckline, long sleeves, a-line silhouette and floor sweeping hem." She said.

"It's so beautiful." Pearl said.

"And your hair and makeup will be on point, too." Nico said. Pearl smiled. It was her first outing as an engaged princess to be and this dress, this dress couldn't be more perfect.

"Wow. I can't believe how amazing I look. Nico and Alice, I adore you both." Pearl said. Nico had fixed her hair into a low twisted bun with a loose side braid, adding volume to the top. Alice had brought diamond chandelier earrings and a dainty diamond y-shaped drop necklace. Her makeup was a bit darker than usual, with a soft smoky eye and added fake lashes. Nico added the final touch, taupe lipstick and a bit of gloss and then sprayed the shit out of her face with setting spray. "Nico, I think that's enough." Pearl said, fanning the air. "Beautiful woman, we cannot have my masterpiece melt tonight." He said. They all laughed and Alice helped her into her beautiful pink and clear Louboutin Degrastrassita heels. "There. You look amazing. Let's go see what your future husband thinks." Alice said.

"Alice, I am as gay as they come but let me tell you, I would consider the alternative after looking at this gorgeous woman right now. If he don't approve and isn't blown back to London after seeing you, come see me, boo. The N is all open." Nico said with a big smile. Pearl laughed and hugged him. "Thank you. I'm going to do something very special for you tonight." She said. "Stay tuned." Nico smiled and nodded.

Pearl walked down the stairs to see Erik waiting for her in a stunning custom tuxedo. He turned around and saw her. She saw his face light up, with complete adoration and pride.

"Could a woman be any more beautiful than you are, right now?" He asked.

Pearl blushed.

"I cannot believe what I have next to me. Let's ditch this event and fly to Vegas, have Elvis marry us?" Erik jested.

Pearl laughed. "I always wanted a spring wedding performed by a man in a sequined jumpsuit." She said.

Erik laughed and took her arm. "Shall we, my love?" He asked.

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The car pulled up to red carpet. Whatever celebrities or politicians they were hounding before Erik pulled up were now discarded and forgotten. Charles and Jim opened the door and Pearl noticed other secret service type men around them. Cameras flashed and Pearl tried to smile but she was blinded. Erik led her along the red carpet and stopped at an interview marked spot. Pearl stood tall and elegantly, with her left hand wrapped around Erik's arm, displaying her massive ruby engagement ring. They smiled and looked at various cameras taking photographs and a then woman held a microphone to Erik. "What about this charity is so important to the crown?" She asks.

"We are always looking for ways to contribute and support the children of the world. This addition is going to save lives and give so much hope to the those affected." Erik said.

"And congratulations on your engagement. This must be very exciting for you." The reporter asked.

"Of course. Who wouldn't be excited about spending the rest of their life with such an incredible, caring and gifted woman?" Erik said. Pearl looked up at him and smiled.

They were then led into the main event hall and everyone stopped and looked at them. Erik smiled and waved, proudly displaying Pearl on his arm. They stopped in front of a man who Erik introduced to Pearl as the head of the hospital. They were brought champagne and wine and Erik asked for a bourbon. Erik chatted with a bit and then he asked to take Erik to meet another member of the board. Erik excused himself and told Pearl he would be right back, leaving her there at the main bar area. She smiled and told her she wouldn't move.

She looked around and saw a few familiar looking faces. Some in the entertainment industry, actors and musicians. Some political.

"You will make an incredible Queen." A familiar voice said.

Pearl turned to see Rhys standing there.