Chapter 2 - THE BRIDE THEY TRIED TO BREAK
At seven the next morning, Nora discovered that her wedding dress was gone.
The garment bag that had hung inside her wardrobe the night before had vanished.
In its place sat a handwritten note.
Perhaps something simpler would be more appropriate.
There was no signature.
None was necessary.
Nora read the message once.
Then she folded it neatly.
A knock came at the door.
Sophie entered carrying coffee.
When she saw the empty hook, her expression collapsed.
“She did it again.”
Nora remained calm.
“My dress is missing.”
“I’ll find it.”
“Sophie.”
“I’m serious.”
Sophie placed the coffee down.
“I’m done being scared of her.”
For twenty-four years, Sophie Hawthorne had lived beneath her mother’s expectations.
She had attended the correct schools.
Dated acceptable men.
Worn dresses Evelyn selected.
Smiled when told.
And remained silent whenever peace required a victim.
Nora had noticed that silence from the beginning.
She had never punished Sophie for it.
That kindness made Sophie’s shame worse.
“I know where Mom stores things she doesn’t want found.”
Twenty minutes later, Sophie returned carrying the dress.
The silk had been cut down the back.
Nora looked at it.
Sophie’s eyes filled with tears.
“She destroyed it.”
“No.”
Nora touched the torn fabric.
“She damaged it.”
“There’s no time to repair this.”
Nora looked toward the window.
“Yes, there is.”
At exactly 7:41, three black SUVs stopped near the rear service entrance.
A woman in a charcoal suit stepped out.
Her name was Countess Amalia Reiner.
For twelve years she had served as Mistress of the Royal Household of Varenne.
She carried a narrow silver case.
Two royal security officers followed her.
The Hawthorne housekeeper opened the service door.
“May I help you?”
Amalia smiled.
“We are here for Miss Ellis.”
Upstairs, Sophie nearly dropped her coffee when Amalia entered.
Nora looked at the older woman.
“You came early.”
“His Highness refused breakfast.”
“That sounds like Adrian.”
Amalia glanced at the ruined wedding gown.
Her expression hardened.
“Was this done deliberately?”
“Yes.”
“Would Your Majesty like me to have the person responsible removed from the property?”
Sophie went completely still.
Nora looked at her.
The secret had lasted until 7:44 a.m.
Not as long as she had intended.
Sophie’s lips parted.
“Did she just call you—”
“Yes.”
Sophie stared.
Nora walked to the door and locked it.
“My name is Helena Adelaide Elise von Arden.”
Sophie said nothing.
“I am Queen Helena of Varenne.”
The coffee cup slipped from Sophie’s hand.
Nora caught it before it hit the carpet.
For the first time that morning, she laughed softly.
“Careful.”
Sophie stared at her.
“You’re a queen?”
“Yes.”
“An actual queen?”
“Yes.”
“And my mother put you above the servants’ rooms?”
“Yes.”
Sophie covered her face.
“Oh, my God.”
Amalia opened the silver case.
Inside lay a wedding gown.
It was ivory silk, handmade in Paris, with thousands of tiny pearls embroidered along the sleeves.
Sophie stared at it.
Nora shook her head.
“No.”
Amalia frowned.
“Your Majesty?”
“I’m wearing the damaged dress.”
Sophie looked at her in disbelief.
“Why?”
Nora picked up Evelyn’s note.
“Because today everyone is going to see exactly what this family tried to do.”
Then she looked at Amalia.
“Bring the crown.”
Amalia’s eyes sharpened.
“The state crown?”
“No.”
Nora smiled.
May you like
“The smaller one.”
Downstairs, Evelyn Hawthorne was preparing a surprise of her own.
