The Royal Love Triangle

18: Knowing What You Want

Callie's POV

The day was going to be full of making sure my dress fits, getting my hair and makeup done, and of course, not so subtle pressures from my mother. Much to my mother’s dismay, I insisted that Tessa come with us for my dress fitting. I don’t understand why she doesn’t want me spending time with Tessa. She’s my best friend. Sure, we have feelings for each other, but I didn’t think it was a good enough reason to dislike her.

To my surprise, Clara had picked out an amazing dress! I was thinking that it was going to be another boring dress, but this was incredible! The dress was poufy, like Cinderella’s at the ball, it really made me feel like a princess. It was a pale pink, subtle but still bright. It was cut off at the shoulders and had lace sleeves. The waist of my dress was a corset, so it was snug, but fit perfectly! It was plain, but elegant. Everyone was slowly learning that I didn’t want to stand out so much.

I helped Tessa pick out a dress while we were there. There was a mint green dress, it was floor length, but not extremely poufy. The dress was beaded around her breast area, which made it hard not to stare. She tried it on, and it looked amazing on her. She could really pull of almost any color. She looked so beautiful that I couldn’t help but watch her. She was something special.

After we had our dresses delivered back to the palace, it was time to get ready, hair, makeup and that fun stuff. I was ushered to my room where Clara had someone waiting to do my hair and makeup. This was my least favorite part. I always felt like everyone went overboard. My mother insisted that I get some updo done. I didn’t care at this point. I just wanted to get moving. I couldn’t wait to see Tessa in that dress more.

Once everyone was ready, we were told to meet in the sitting room. As I was walking down the stairs, I heard someone behind me. I didn’t pay much attention to them since I figured it was probably Clara, she was never far behind me. When I got to the bottom of the stairs someone grabbed my wrist and I whirled around to see who it was. Marcus was laughing.

“Didn’t mean to scare ya sis!” He could hardly get the sentence out without laughing.

“Marcus, you’re a real asshole. You know that?” I sighed. I had my hand over my chest trying to catch my breath. I stepped closer to him and pushed him lightly against his chest.

“I just wanted to introduce you to someone very special.”

A shorter, slender man walked up behind Marcus. He was handsome. They were just about the same height. He had dirty blond hair and gorgeous brown eyes. He seemed well groomed. He had a huge smile on his face.

“Callie, this is my boyfriend, Connor. Connor, my big sister, Callie.” He eagerly stepped forward and pulled me into a big hug.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to meet you! Marcus has told me so much about you. I feel like I know you. Girl, we have so much to talk about. What’s going on with you and Tessa? OH! What about with Prince Gabriel?”

He linked our arms together as we made our way to the sitting room. No one was there yet. I could feel Marcus watching Connor and me. I don’t think it was jealousy. I feel like it was more of a look of approval. Connor’s eyes left mine, looking over my shoulder. A huge smile broke out on his face. I looked over my shoulder at Marcus and flashed him a smile. He had a smile on his face, and I shot him a thumbs up. I really was excited to meet Connor.

Not long after, everyone else made their way to the sitting room and we were quickly ushered to a limo to make our way over to the Saint-Clair’s. The drive was becoming familiar. It was over before I knew it. Connor escorted me inside the palace and Marcus escorted Tessa. The entire time, he was beaming and never took his eyes off Marcus. They were really adorable together.

It wasn’t long before everyone was announced, and the ball began. Gabe whirled me around the ballroom for what felt like hours. I excused myself and made my way to the bar. I needed a drink, and something strong. I asked the bar tender for a shot of tequila. He was hesitant at first, but soon gave in. I felt it burn the entire way down my throat. My face scrunched up and I shook my head. I hadn’t had a shot in a while, but this was a celebration after all. After that, I stuck to champagne and water.

There were a lot of people that wanted to talk to Gabe. After we danced at the beginning, I hardly saw him after that. Ours eyes connected a few times through the night, and all he could manage was a shrug. I guess I needed to understand that Gabe was a busy man. Is this what life would be like if we were married? Oh god, I really hope not. As I was standing close to the dance floor, I felt a light tap on my shoulder. I turned around, and Tessa was standing there.

“Princess.” She curtsied, never breaking eye contact. I couldn’t help but giggle. She always knew how to make me smile.

“Miss Tessa. To what do I owe this pleasure?” I bowed a little. She was smiling.

“Well, your highness, I was hoping you would honor me with a dance.” I bit my lip and smiled. I grabbed her hand and laced our fingers together.

Tessa led me out on to the dance floor. There were some people around the dance floor watching us intently. Tessa pulled me close and put her arm in the small of my back. I placed my one hand on her shoulder and bit my lip. I leaned in and rested my head on her shoulder. She smelled like grapefruit and it was so comforting and familiar.

I could feel several pairs of eyes on us, and I looked out at the crowd watching us. I see Connor and Marcus dancing close to us. Once Connor met my gaze, he gave me a huge smile and thumbs up. Marcus turned around and smiled. On the outside of the crowd, I could see my mother. Her arms were crossed over her chest. I knew she didn’t like seeing me be with Tessa, but this felt so right. I saw her whisper something into Clara’s ear. Clara listened intently and nodded. I just ignored it.

After the song had ended, Queen Allison wanted to make a toast to the birthday boy. They had a huge cake made! I stood among the crowd watching Gabe in the spot light. He looked so natural at it. Me on the other hand, I was still getting used to it. I put on the most convincing smile that I could.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to have you all here to celebrate the 27th birthday of Prince Gabriel. Let us raise our glasses and toast to another great year!”

Everyone held up their glasses. I took a big swig of the champagne that was in my glass. The crowd broke out singing Happy Birthday. Gabe was beaming in the spot light. Everyone was in awe with him. I only hoped that I could be that comfortable in the spot light one day like that.

Later that night, after I had showered and changed, I was laying on my bed. I couldn’t stop thinking about Tessa and Gabe. What on earth was I going to do? Gabe was handsome and such a gentleman. He was easy to talk to and get to know. He’s very patient with me. But Tessa was gorgeous. She’s known me for so long, that sometimes I don’t even have to tell her what I was thinking. I knew that being here and seeing me with Gabe was really hard on her. There was really only one person that I could call and get some honest advice from.

“Hi, mom? Yea… It’s Callie… I know… Please stop apologizing… I really miss you guys too… No, I don’t hate you… I should have called you sooner… Yea things have been pretty crazy…. Hey mom, I need some advice. Can you help me?” I took a few moments to explain the situation to her. I listened intently to what she was saying. “Really? You think Tessa and I should be together? I really like the sound of that…”

I was too caught up in the conversation with my mom, the one that raised me, that I didn’t hear Clara open the door. I don’t know how long she was standing there. When I turned around, I saw her with her mouth wide open. She must have heard everything. f**k.