With Anastasia's wedding in two weeks, she hadn't done most of the usual preparations. And she was still without a gown. However, she'd narrowed her choices down to two.
Both elegant, strapless numbers, and both by one local Hidden Springs designer.
She hadn't nailed down a location, either, but she was looking at renting one grand ballroom for the day. (Author's note: This lot is on the exchange)
However, what she'd been doing plenty of is photo shoots, interviews, and media obligations.
For someone notoriously camera-shy, Anastasia seemed to take pretty well to the role of pinup girl and fashion plate. She turned down a modeling contract to go to architecture and design school, and while she usually preferred being behind the camera than in front of it, she was more than adequately photogenic.
With two weeks to go before the wedding, Anastasia summoned her psychic adviser, Valana Ayres. Miss Ayres had a colorful history. No one knew where she came from, but she opened up a psychic advisory practice in Moonlight Falls. One of her clients there was Sierra Cheesman, the teenage daughter of author-adventurer Savannah Plumb. Savannah found out that her daughter was seeing a psychic and had Valana run out of town.
However, Valana landed on her feet. She moved to Hidden Springs where she opened up a practice and was hired personally by Anastasia Vanderburg, Princess of Hidden Springs, after she correctly divined the location of her long lost imaginary-friend doll, "Lucky," who, of course, became her soon-to-be husband, Lucian.
Then, later, Valana hired Anastasia to redo the exterior of the house she was renting in the forests of Hidden Springs.
Somehow, incredibly, the pair became fast friends.
On this night, during a dinner party hosted by Anastasia, she confided to Valana that she was an absolute wreck preparing for the wedding.
"Being a wreck is perfectly normal for a first-time bride. Especially one who is as much of a perfectionist as you are. You can't ask your parents to help you?"
Anastasia shook her head. "My mother and I do not have a relationship to speak of."
Valana sighed. "I see. "Why is that?"
"The reasons are too numerous to go into here."
Nodding, Valana asked, "And your father?"
"He's dead," Anastasia replied sadly, "died last year."
"Oh, I'm really sorry to hear that, Anastasia."
"And whenever he was alive all he did was listen to whatever she said."
"Your mother is the Queen, if I'm not mistaken."
"And she wastes no time reminding my sister and me of that fact every day. Whatever my mother says, goes. She's the supreme law of this land, has been for sixty freaking years. My father tried, he really did. I don't fault him at all. He used to take me and Alex everywhere, and mom acted like she was ashamed of us."
"I have not met your fiancé, but from what you've told me, he seems like a terrific guy. I don't need to be a psychic to see that. If the two of you work at your relationship, I foresee a long and happy life for you."
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