Katie, my mother, Jace’s mother, and Claire all just stare.

“Is there something wrong? Something missing?” I glance down at the white satin and gauzy silk tulle frantically, worried there’s some tear or stain I missed.

I look back up to see my mother dabbing at her eyes. “Vivienne…” she breathes. “You’re stunning.”

“Jace is going to pass out when he sees you,” Katie tells me. “Like wow. Just wow. There aren’t words.”

Mrs. Dawson nods her agreement. “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”

“You look like a princess,” Claire chimes in with.

I smile, relieved. Everyone leaves in a flurry minutes later, leaving me alone in the massive room. It’s the first time I’ve been alone since I woke up and texted Jace, and I wish I could talk to him now. I’m jittery, and I know the sound of his voice is the only thing that will calm my nerves. But I also know he was scheduled to arrive before my mother and his family. Meaning he’s already at the church. I stand by one of the large windows and look out at the gardens.

“Your Highness, it’s time.” Joan reenters the room and interrupts my thoughts.

“Okay,” I respond, turning away from the window slowly so that my long train has a chance to follow me. I follow Joan down the hallway. We don’t pass a single person, which feels strange. Normally, the palace is bustling with activity at this hour. Either all the staff is busy with preparations or they purposefully had this section of the residence cleared.

I walk inside the entryway and finally see another figure. My father turns around. I watch his eyes well up as soon as he sees me.

“Oh no, none of that, Papa,” I instruct him as I walk over and give him a hug. “We can’t both show up at my wedding crying.”

My father chuckles, pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket and patting his eyes. “You’re a vision, Vivvi,” he informs me. “A vision.”

“Thank you, Papa,” I reply, forcibly swallowing the emotion.

We emerge outside the main doors. The commotion that greets us is jarring after the quiet palace. A massive barricade has been set up beyond the columns that frame the main entrance to the residence, but I can hear the thousands of people who must be assembled outside the palace gates. Three cars are lined up in front of us: two SUVs and one sedan. Twelve agents stand waiting as my father and I approach. Two of them step forward, Richard and Michael. Both of them look awed as they take in my appearance.

“Have you two never seen a wedding dress before?” I tease as they reach us.

“Not one like this. You look beautiful, Princess,” Michael compliments.

“Thank you,” I respond. With each person I encounter, my excitement at seeing Jace’s reaction to my dress grows. “Let’s get this show on the road, huh?”

“As you wish, Your Highness,” Richard responds, as formal as ever.