Bound By The Royal Brothers

Where Is My Bride?

"Well, the statistics of the company for the month are quite on the fall side. Literally, it's off the charts."

Vera sighed, "What happened?"

"We probably need to amp up promotions, so we can reach our target audience even further. Sales decreased, and just a few contracts came through..."

"Too bad I just fired the publicity manager for Daily Glow magazine. Hope you really do have a plan that doesn't involve him or the Daily Glow?" Vera said.

"Um_"

"Yes?"

"Aye, I do," he said. He smiled as he reached for his cabinet. He took out a flier from the top part of it and stretched it to Vera.

"Golden Fashion Week?" Vera exclaimed.

"Yes. It's a different episode this time and it's exactly what we need to get the company back on track. Noble designs."

"Hmm, shoot," Vera signaled with his head.

"There's a prize for the best designs of the week — a lifetime ticket to create designs for the noble families of Guelph__" he paused and stared at Vera. She nodded gently, then he continued, "Now think of the publicity and that prize. It is really worth it, Vera. If we take it, I know we'll get it and after a week Emerald House will be set on the rocky seas of elegance that it's known for once again." He smiled as he relaxed back on his chair.

"Brilliant. You're brilliant, Master Trent. I'll look into it and surely, I will make my decision known as soon as possible," Vera answered excitedly.

"Alright, Vera."

Vera got up from the office seat and when she had gotten to the door, she was welcomed by the sound of a loud ring from her phone. She swiped the screen of her phone and grimaced when a familiar name appeared, "Witch".

"Hello dear," the voice said gently.

Vera moved out of the office, after jamming the door behind her, she said, "Hello Mom," Vera said as the lines connected.

"It's a pain that you do not consider courtesy anymore. I sure didn't raise you like that. A simple good morning is as simple as brewing vinegar." her mother's voice echoed from the other.

"Good morning, mom. How do you do?" Vera said almost reluctantly.

"Oh, how do you do too? It's a fine day, and of course, tonight will be a fine night. We'll sit under the moonlight, and we'll have supper together and be merry with a special guest. I'd love to see how well Liam can dance," she flinched when she heard the giggles of her mother from the other end of the phone.

"Who is this Liam you speak of?"

"Oh, my apologies. He's the son of the Grand Duke, Liam O'Neill — his predecessor. He's the man who had asked for the dance. He'll be home for dinner tonight."

"I see... but Mother, the week is really a busy one. I'm working my whole head off just to see to it that the company is set back on track?"

"You can't possibly be intending to miss a family dinner, are you?"

"It's not an intention, but circumstances wouldn't allow it. As I speak, I'm supposed to have a meeting with some officials from Hollywood to secure a contract. I might be out for a few days."

"I see," her mother said, but the tone in which she spoke showed that she had doubts. "So you make work a priority now?"

"Mom, isn't that what you've always said?"

"Fine, fine. Go do you, but you have to make it to the next dinner or I'll be forced to come drag you to the dinner table. That's not a threat, I would do it."

Her mother hung up the phone immediately after her last speech. After she dropped the call, Vera sighed.

She dialed Daniella's number...

"What was that thing you were saying about a party?" Vera asked immediately after she picked up the call.

"The party on the cruise ship? Are you really going?"Daniella's voice shrieked from the other end.

"I'll have the tickets sorted out for us. Get me the necessary details and meet me at my apartment. You're going to have fun.” Vera answered before hanging up the call.

*********************************************

The evening was lightened up by a bright moonlight. In the midst of the silhouettes of tall buildings, the streets flowed with amber and red lights that glowed from the different cars and other vehicles that drove past.

"Oh my goodness, I can't believe it! I'm going to be at a big party." Daniella shrieked with glee as Vera zoomed through the streets in her classy green Lamborghini.

As Daniella expressed her happiness, Vera remained silent with her eyes fixed on the road.

"Still thinking about Alex?"

Vera blinked several times, "No..." her voice quaked a bit.

"I saw the news, Emerald House did have a slight drop in figures. I'm worried if I don't do something really soon, it'll be a big difference," Vera lamented.

"Hey, you'll be fine. Just get your mind off it all first. I know you can handle it, the amazing Miss Marvel," Daniella teased. A little smile crawled up Vera's face, and she pressed down on the accelerator pedal.

"Yeah!" Daniella screamed with excitement.

Vera pushed the brake when they had driven into the parking lot at the port close to the Grand River. Looking around, many guests had arrived in their most flashy automobiles and apparel. The night was colored with white and gold — the guests were all adorned with gold and white dresses, from tuxedos, jackets, and shirts to beautiful gowns of different designs. Amongst the party guests were nobles, wealthy men, popular artists, celebrities, showmen and women, government officials, entertainment journalists, and the like. All the guests boarded a large white cruise ship that was lit with golden lights and some neon colors.

Vera and Daniella checked their tickets and boarded too. The ship was set to sail when all the guests had checked in. A loud music boomed immediately, the ship was set in motion and the guests jeered and cheered with glasses of exotic wines and champagne.

************************************************

"So where's my bride-to-be?" Liam asked.

He sat opposite Vera’s sister and her mother at a table. There were a number of dishes — freshly cooked potatoes, a bowl of spicy sauce, well-barbecued beef, and a bowl of fruit— all spread on the beautifully patterned tablecloth. The young woman shoved a morsel of potato into her mouth, her eyes fixed on the man.

"Oh, Vera..." Vera's mother began fidgeting with her fork, "You know how she is, always busy with everything, like she carries the whole world on her shoulders," she said and chuckled.

"Hmm, I was really hoping to see her today," Liam said.

"I know, son. Do pardon her today. I was actually also expecting a full house today after a long time. We used to sit on this same table, open secrets and a merry heart, to share moments; I, Vera, Estella, and my dear husband, God rest his soul."

"Such a wonderful family, I must say," Liam retorted, his gaze on Estella, who was busy feasting on him.

"Yes Liam, as a matter of fact, the most wonderful family. We will be most honored to welcome you, the son of the great Grand Duke, into our midst. Just give a little more time, and Vera, your lovely bride will be with you," Vera's mother, Helena Elwell, said with a smile. Her words were so sweet and her voice soft and soothing, it had made the fair prince Liam O'Neill sink back in his seat.

“And she?” Liam asked, pointing his fork to Estella.

“Who? Estella? That’s my darling daughter…Vera’s sister.” Mrs Elwell responded, smiling uncomfortably at the way the two stared at each other.

“I see,” Liam said, shifting his gaze from her, back to his food. “I can’t wait to meet my bride.”