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    Chapter 0634


    "You really are a princess," she teased, touching the shimmery red fabric. "You''ve got the dress and everything."


    I blushed as I held the gown up to myself. It was perfect, really: simple and elegant, a dark red color that was somehow the perfect shade to match my lips. I had expected a gaudy ball gown, but this was muted and perfectly me.


    And when I put it on, it fit perfectly, hugging all of my curves in a way that I had never expected. My slightly growing belly was showing through the fabric, and for a moment, I allowed myself to admire how it looked on my body, baby bump and all


    But as the time for the party drew near, there was an important task that couldn''t be ignored. Lori''s transformation was the final piece of the puzzle, and I knew she was apprehensive about it.


    "Lori," I began gently, "I know it''s not ideal, but you''ll need to wear the special perfume. It''s the only way to ensure you can move freely without drawing attention to yourself,"


    Lori sighed, her frustration evident. "I get it, Nina, but it''s just hard. I hate having to hide who I am. Is this how you feel in Mountainview?"Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    "Sort of," I chuckled. "So I understand your pain, really. But someday, things will change. It''s just gonna take time. The Luna''s control ran deep here, and it''s only been a few months since she''s been gone."


    Jessica chimed in, cing a hand on Lori''s shoulder. "We won''t let anyone mistreat you, my love. We promise."


    Lori nodded, smiling softly. "Okay. I''m ready."


    With that, I pulled out the small vial of shimmering perfume. It had a strange golden color to it, and yet it somehow seemed clear at the same time. When I pulled the cap off, there was no scent. I handed it to Loni, allowing her to do the honors.


    But then, suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Before I could answer, I heard my father''s voicee through.


    "Can I speak with you for a moment, Nina?" he asked, his voice muffled by the door.


    I exchanged a worried nce with my friends but agreed, slipping out of the room to see my father standing there. He smiled as he looked down at me, taking in my appearance.


    *You look beautiful, my dear," he said as he guided me away. "So much like your mother." "Thank you, dad," I said as I followed him. "Did you need something?"


    Once we were out of earshot, he stopped, sighing softly as he rubbed his hand on the back of his neck. I knew where this was going. "I heard about the perfume."


    I swallowed, then nodded. "Yeah. My mom said she told you."


    My father sighed, his expression softening. "Listen, I understand the sentiment, Nina," he said softly, "but I want to make sure you''re aware that it could be unsafe. If the perfume were


    to suddenly stop working, you should take Lori somewhere private before anyone picks up her scent. Understood?"


    I nodded, my heart heavy with the responsibility. "I promise, dad. I''ll be careful. We all will." He offered an apologetic smile. "I''m sorry, Nina. I know it''s not easy, and none of this- pardon mynguage-bullshit would exist if it wasn''t for myte wife sowing these seeds of hatred. It''s a shame what I allowed to happen to my realm. And really, it''s my fault."


    I reached out and hugged my father tightly, leaning against his chest. "It''s not your fault, dad," I murmured. "It''s not. Really."


    My father said nothing. Instead, he patted my back, and when I pulled away, he had a soft smile on his face.


    "Enjoy the party, Nina," he said. "And remember... keep an eye on your friend. You never know who might be watching."


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