Chapter 45

When we got the lace in the store and into the seamstress' fabric storage, I was pretty much drained. Not because I helped with it. No. Connor rejected any help I offered, claiming it would wound his pride.

I noticed he seemed colder than usual.

"Lady Colter, a letter" Sienna called, pointing to my desk amid her hard work.

"Thank you!" I called back as I made my way to the office and almost fainted, a mix of fatigue and shock attacking my mind at once.

There was the usual red stamped letter, golden flecks and all.

A royals letter…

I expected it to be about the princess selection process, but I was wrong. The letter was addressed from the queen to inform me she would be sending someone over to discuss the dates she could meet my seamstress' within the week.

I cursed as I realised I had completely forgotten about our deal. It was an important one, so I decided to put down the best seamstress' I had to visit. This could be our selling point or our breaking…

I informed the girls immediately and they all stared at me in disbelief, pointing shaky fingers to themselves while I smiled, excitement riveting my core.

"We are to visit the queen dowager?" Sienna said in disbelief, arms shaking as she held her cheeks.

"That's right. She'll be sending someone over to discuss the nearest you can go, so make sure to clear you schedules" I advised and then watching them I had no choice but to add, "if this goes well I'm doubling your salaries and giving an immediate bonus".

They had all but thrown their hands up in joy and I had laughed, joining in their glory. There was a group hug while we jumped up and down.

"Tonight we drink ourselves to death!" Announced the youngest of them and everyone chortled in agreement.

Connor poked his head into the workshop, looking terribly concerned.

"Is everything alright in here? I heard shouting" he looked to me and then the ladies, taking in our flushed cheeks with worry.

"You'll never guess" I replied slinging an arm around his shoulder and forcing him to bend down to my height. His face burned as he stared at me in shock, "I've snagged a meeting with the dowager queen. She's interested in our products".

His face slowly morphed from surprise to excitement and suddenly I wasn't on the ground. Suddenly I was hoisted up from my waist into the air.

"This is incredible!" He exclaimed, twirling around before putting me down.

I was caught off-guard at his actions but then again it was a special occasion.

"Right? It's insane!" I laughed.

"We're going to be rich!" Cried Sienna and everyone joined in.

I wanted to stay longer, but I had work to do so I slinked off to my office. I hadn't noticed Connor following until he called after me.

"Madeline!"

I turned back to him, grin still evident on my face.

"Are you okay?"

"Okay?" He repeated with a raised brow, "I'm more than okay, but I've decided I won't give away this building".

"You won't?" I asked in surprise.

He shook his head with a determined smile.

"No. I want to see how far you can go and I don't think you'll let me unless I have a work related reason" he smiled in a bittersweet kind of way.

"That- That's not…" I wanted to object, but when I thought about it…

"It's fine. But if it's your ambitions that stop you then I want you to know that I would never stand in the way of them. It's what drew me to you" he played with a lock of my hair as I stared at him dumb-struck, wondering if what I thought was happening was actually happening.

"I- I Thank you" I stuttered, cheeks tingling.

He stared at me, his face also becoming pink. "I don't know if people usually say thank you to that?"

"Ah- I didn't mean to"-

"I'm joking" he laughed, ruffling my hair, "just answer it when you finally solve your problems. I'll be here to help" he gave me a smile and turned around to leave.

I watched after him, still wearing the shock of his words.

Does Connor…. - was that… courting?

I would have thought it might have excited me had a man shown interest in me, but in stead I thought of him. His red eyes watching me, smirking at the fact that I was dreaming fairytales.

I can't even dream of it. Not yet anyway.