AnotidaMandemwa

[This book is complete]
Everyone is playing a regal game. Everyone except Lucia (who probably should).

After her father faced accusations of trying to seize the throne from his father and king, he was exiled along with his family. They were no longer royalty, but his wife would not have it. She was friends with the queen of Vershia and used that to her advantage. Her two older daughters were the right age to marry the two princes, and she would make that happen come what may.

That became a problem when the oldest daughter was ignored by the crown prince, who formed a friendship with the youngest of the girls. There was still hope; Lucia could become the future queen. But Lucia was not groomed for this role. She did not want to live for the type of marriage she could snag. She did not want to take the man who had been planned for her sister.

But that’s the thing with plans, isn’t it? She never planned to fall in love with the man, and there she was: an unwilling participant in the regal games. Would she capture the crown? How would everything affect her relationship with her sister? Was there ever pleasing her mother?

[WSA 2024 Entry]

Regal Games

Lucia, her sisters, and Princess Danielle walked into the bridal shop that Adela had used to pick out her wedding gown. She loved the designer and wanted to use her style for her bridesmaids' dresses. They had booked the whole shop, so it was empty, and the blinds were drawn. They had attracted attention as they walked in.

That happened everywhere Lucia went now, and she thought she was getting used to it, if not already.

"What are we looking for here?" Caroline asked as she looked around the rows and rows of colourful dresses.

"Long, ankle-length being the least," Lucia said. "Something that flows down your bodies but without restricting your movements."

The girls nodded, and the designer took notes as she continued, "Nothing that will catch on anything. Neckline is negotiable. Sleeves, if there at all, should be loose. Skin show should be peek-a-boo. Nothing that is obvious but comes with movement. Like a slit. Or a veiled bare back."

Questions