Page 34

CHAPTER 34

T he quiet of the dressing room did nothing to calm the riot of butterflies in Victoria’s stomach as she prepared for their first public appearance together at the New Year Ball. At least her dress wasn’t going to let her down, a masterpiece in midnight blue silk, so deep it appeared black until she moved. It hugged her figure with a sweetheart neckline, while delicate beading traced patterns like scattered stars across the silk. From the fitted waist, the skirt fell in clean, architectural lines. On her wrist, she wore her grandmother’s diamond bracelet, donated for the evening.

Victoria popped her head around the door, into the bedroom. “Come help with my zip?”

When Ash stepped into the dressing room, Victoria’s breath caught. The tuxedo fitted her girlfriend perfectly, the crisp lines accentuating her slim curves. The way Ash’s eyes darkened, then softened as she stared at Victoria made her knees weak. But she didn’t have time for anything weak tonight. Strength was the order of the day.

Ash zipped her up, kissed her neck, then they stood side by side, smiling at each other in the full-length mirror. Even though she was nervous, Victoria couldn’t remember ever feeling so beautiful, so complete.

Ash linked their fingers softly and smiled. “You look beautiful. You are going to wow the room, like always.”

“And you look like Prince Charming,” Victoria replied, her voice the definition of swoon. “Luke did a fine job with your tux. But it’s the model who makes it.”

Ash kissed her hand. “Are you ready for this? It’s the big one.”

“The night I’ve been building up to my whole life?” Victoria smoothed invisible wrinkles from Ash’s lapel. “I’ve been ready since I was six.” She squeezed her hand. “For the record, there’s nobody else I’d rather have by my side.”

The walk to the ballroom felt like floating. Victoria’s hand trembled in Ash’s as they waited for their cue. Michael arrived looking dapper but pensive with Gran on his arm. Her parents joined them, and her father’s questioning look — “ready?” — followed by a thumbs-up nearly undid Victoria’s composure. But she took a deep breath.

She had to do this.

She wanted to do this.

The ballroom doors opened. Hundreds of lights sparkled overhead, faces turned towards them.

For a moment, it was too much.

The enormity of what they were doing, who they were, what this meant crashed over Victoria in a wave. Her stomach lurched, and she thought she might actually be sick. But then Ash’s thumb stroked her hand, grounding her.

“Breathe, darling,” Gran murmured, squeezing her arm as she passed. “This is all training for the years to come.” The knowing look in her grandmother’s eyes helped steady her nerves.

Then, just like that, Victoria and Ash walked in together, hand in hand. The world did not collapse, just like Astrid promised, and the Ball carried on around them. With this one step, Victoria had finally stopped apologising for who she was, and it was glorious.

Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad, after all.

Marianne appeared with her wife, champagne in hand and mischief in her eyes. “Well, well, if it isn’t the happy couple. Finally decided to grace us common folk with your presence?” Victoria had met Marianne before, and liked her instantly. Her familiar teasing made them both smile, breaking some of the tension coiled in her chest.

“How you feeling, woman of the moment?” Marianne asked Ash.

“Like I know what goldfish feel like.” She grinned at Victoria. “But also like there’s no place I’d rather be.”

“I’m beyond proud of you both,” Marianne said. “This will make your life easier in the long run. You’re also paving the way for so many others.”

Ash’s parents approached next, elegant and clearly impressed.

Marianne greeted them like old friends: “You fit in like a glove here, Debra. I always said you were destined for greatness.”

Ash’s mum blushed, smacking Marianne’s arm playfully. “You are 99 per cent charm, and I am always here for it.” She paused, addressing Victoria. “Compliments to your chef, by the way. Those tiny potatoes with salmon are to die for. And I could so get used to the champagne.”

Ash’s dad raised his glass. “Here’s to a year of possibility.”

Behind Victoria’s family, Ash’s best friend Cam and her now very-much-on girlfriend Hayley appeared. Cam gave Victoria a shy smile as she greeted them. She didn’t know them that well yet, but the pair were coming to her place for dinner tomorrow. Victoria was very much looking forward to finally getting to know Ash’s friends.

At that moment, her grandmother arrived, still carrying her trusty handbag. She never went anywhere without one. “Debra! You must be Mark.” She hugged Ash’s mum, then shook her dad’s hand. “So lovely to see you again. This time, in far happier circumstances.”

Victoria’s heart swelled. This was what she’d wanted: her and Ash’s worlds merging, acceptance flowing both ways.

They drifted, talking to a variety of guests who all appeared to take her and Ash in their stride. Half an hour later, Dexter and Sidney arrived with Astrid and Sofia, and Victoria struggled to hold it together. Getting on that plane to Marbella six months ago, she’d felt hopeless, lost. She knew Dexter had, too. Now, they were both on the brink of living their best lives.

“Who would have thought this day would come?” Dexter asked, grabbing a fresh flute of champagne from a passing waiter. It truly was his superpower.

Victoria noticed Dexter’s parents in the corner, looking less stern than usual. Progress, maybe.

Astrid pulled her close, kissing her cheek. “I hope you know you’ve got all the support in the room, all the love,” she whispered. “I’m so glad you came to your senses and realised she was worth it.”

To her right, Ash laughed at something David from the homeless charity was saying. Victoria loved how naturally she slotted into her world.

Ash was beyond worth it.

When her father asked Victoria to dance, she made sure Ash was okay, then accepted. He’d had his hair cut today, and his Royal Navy uniform always made him look like he was from a fairytale. He kissed Victoria’s cheek and pulled her close.

“Holding up okay?”

Victoria nodded. “Nobody’s tried to lance me yet.” She spied Ash, laughing with Astrid and Sofia. She relaxed a little. Her father followed her line of sight. “I’m sorry for coming on strong with Ash. I could have handled it better. But also, it’s better to see if she scares easily. Just like your grandparents did with me. Apparently, she doesn’t, which means we have a lot in common.”

“If she’s half the support you are to Mother, I’m a lucky woman,” she told him.

Gran’s dance with Victoria was shorter but no less meaningful. “You’ve got a good one there, so don’t scare her away. I’ll do my best to make sure your parents behave.” Her gran glanced to Ash, who was now dancing with Dexter. Victoria’s past and present worlds colliding. “I think she knows you’re precious cargo, our future queen.”

Victoria squirmed in the way she always did when people talked about a world where her mother was dead. She’d always found it strange, and doubted that would ever change.

Michael’s approach made Victoria tense briefly, but his apology was sincere.

“You can stop apologising now,” she told him. “It’s water under the bridge. Granted, I wanted to push you off said bridge, into the river and hold you down when I found out, but in a weird way, you probably helped.” All the obstacles had crystallised what they both truly wanted. Michael definitely sped that process up.

The evening was perfect, but something was missing. Victoria had danced with Michael, her gran, and her father, but not with the one person she wanted most. She crossed the ballroom to where Ash stood with her family, aware of eyes on her, but no longer caring.

This was their moment, their triumph, their love on display for all to see. She held out her hand to Ash, drinking in the smile that was only ever for her. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but may I have this dance?”

Ash’s eyes sparkled. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Dexter snapped a series of photos of Victoria and Ash, champagne glasses raised, living their best lives against the backdrop of gilt and crystal. Then he handed Victoria her phone, and kissed her cheek.

“Good luck, ladies. A whole new world awaits.”

Victoria took a deep breath, excitement and anxiety swirling within like fireworks lighting up a New Year sky. The vibrant colours of the filter she added heightened the warmth in Ash’s eyes. They both knew the significance of this moment. It wasn’t just an announcement; it was a declaration of their love, a celebration of their truth. She was in love with a woman, and she was allowed to share it. Everyone else took it for granted, but to her, this was as big as it got.

As her finger hovered over the send button, the world outside faded, leaving just the two of them in their own bubble of happiness. Victoria’s heart raced, each beat echoing the weight of their decision. She thought of all the whispered doubts and the nights spent wondering if love was truly enough to conquer the fears that held her back.

“Those kids at the centre.” Victoria thought back to their faces. “Seeing them and hearing their stories changed everything for me. It made me realise that hiding who I am was nothing compared to their daily struggles. If I can use my voice to make real change, I will. I owe it to them, and all the kids like them.” She took a deep breath. “Are you happy?”

Ash smiled, a reassuring nod that sent a jolt of courage through Victoria. “I couldn’t be happier.” She peered at the shot again. “The photo’s gorgeous because you’re in it. Plus, we both look hot, so that’s going to piss off the homophobes, too.” She pulled back her shoulders and stood up straight. “Send it, and let’s get the word out.” She grinned. “Let everyone know that princess has officially got a bae.”

Victoria pressed send, and her world subtly shifted.

They weren’t just stepping into the light; rather, they were dancing in it.

Within minutes, Ash’s social team and the Palace’s team had it live on both their accounts, using the same simple caption: ‘HNY from us both. xxx’. The likes climbed astronomically before Victoria tucked her phone away, her heart stampeding behind her ribs.

The deed was done, there was no turning back. They’d appeared together at the ball. Now, they were officially a couple in the outside world, too. Her smile was as wide as the Palace as she realised what she’d done. Shed years of heartache and worry with the click of a button.

Freedom and joy sashayed through her veins.

“Come with me,” she whispered to Ash, taking her hand and fleeing the ballroom. She led her past the red ropes and security, through to the centre room, and finally out the French doors onto the royal balcony. The winter air bit at their skin, but Victoria didn’t care. Below them, London sparkled, a carpet of lights stretching to the horizon. There were crowds milling on the mall, ready for the New Year fireworks. Victoria made sure they stuck to the back wall and remained low where they couldn’t be seen from the front of the Palace.

“Wow, you could have warned me where we were going.” Ash crouched low, taking it all in. “I’ve seen this on the telly, but being here is something else altogether.” She paused. “It reminds me of another balcony,” she continued, glancing at Victoria. “Though considerably grander than the one in Marbella.”

“That feels like a lifetime ago. Me, terrified of being seen, and you were the opposite. You were fearless. And you gave me beer. Nobody had ever done that before.”

“I like to be unique.” Ash squeezed her hand. “But I was hardly fearless. I met a princess, I was terrified. Still am, sometimes.” She gestured to the view before them. “This might be real one day. Us two, up here. You’ll be queen, and I’ll be...” she trailed off, colour rising in her cheeks.

“My queen,” Victoria finished, turning to face her. “You already are.” She desperately wanted to kiss her now. But if she did it on this balcony and it was snapped, her mother would never forgive her. “Shall we go back to the ball? I think it’s nearly midnight.”

Excitement filled the air as they rejoined the throng in the ballroom, Victoria grabbing two flutes of champagne. Thankfully, they hadn’t been missed.

Moments later, the countdown began.

“Ten! Nine! Eight!”

Victoria looked around at the gathering: her family, the staff, friends old and new. Everyone who had supported them, challenged them, helped them reach this moment.

“Seven! Six! Five!”

She caught her grandmother’s eye across the room. The Queen Mother gave her a subtle nod, eyes twinkling.

“Four! Three!”

Ash’s fingers found hers, warm and steady.

“Two! One! Happy New Year!”

The room erupted in celebration, couples embracing all around them. Victoria felt the familiar flutter of uncertainty: what were the protocols for this moment? But then she met Ash’s eyes, and everything else fell away. The protocols, the fears, the doubts: none of it mattered.

There, in the middle of the dancefloor, Victoria reached for Ash. Their lips met in a dizzying kiss that felt like flying, like freedom, like every New Year’s wish coming true at once. Just like two people madly in love.

When she pulled back, happiness lit every inch of her, and Ash’s smile was brighter than all the chandeliers combined. “Happy New Year, Victoria Richmond.”

Victoria touched her forehead to Ash’s, breathing in the moment, wanting to remember every detail: the warmth of Ash’s skin, the lingering taste of champagne, the soft music playing in the background, the feeling of absolute rightness settling in her chest.

“Happy New Year, Ashleigh Woods,” she replied. “I have a feeling it’s going to be the most incredible year of our lives.”

And standing there, in the arms of the woman she loved, Victoria knew it wasn’t just a feeling.

It was a promise.