Chapter 4: The Transformation Begins
Lady Candice’s heels clicked sharply against the marble floor, echoing through the labyrinth of corridors as she led Chris deeper into the palace. “Welcome to your dressing suite, Princess Crystal,” she announced, her voice oozing a sweetness that felt more like a threat. She pushed open the opulent door, revealing a room that looked like it had been plucked from a fantasy. Chris stepped inside, his breath catching at the sight of silk, satin, and sequins everywhere. “Here is where the magic will happen,” Lady Candice said, her smile razor-sharp. Chris stared at the racks of gowns lining the walls, their colours shimmering under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. A velvet chaise longue was buried under a mountain of makeup brushes, powders, and lipsticks, the chaos both mesmerizing and overwhelming. “Wow,” he muttered, running a hand through his short hair. “Is this all for me?” Lady Candice chuckled dryly, her eyes narrowing. “Indeed it is, darling.”
The endlessly large modern classic looking dressing room is a sumptuous haven of silks, satins, and sequins, its walls lined with mirrors and filled with a dazzling array of racks of gowns, wigs, and accessories. The largest vanity table you’ve ever seen piled with makeup against one wall while a regal chaise lounge occupies the centre of the room’s gilded walls. No people or mannequins
She gestured dismissively at Chris’s jeans and hoodie. “These are unacceptable.” She strode over to the racks of gowns, her fingers trailing over the fabrics like a conductor orchestrating a symphony. “Silk and lace will be your new best friends,” she declared. “And forget about trousers from now on, you’ll wear skirts and dresses, the country deserves to see those legs.” Chris crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. “I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that,” he said, his voice firm. Lady Candice’s smile tightened, her eyes hardening like flint. “You are not yourself anymore, Chris,” she said sharply. “You are Princess Crystal.” She circled Chris like a hawk, scrutinizing him from head to toe. “Your hair is too short, your skin is too rough, and you have far too much body hair,” she said, her tone clinical. Chris winced, feeling like a science experiment gone wrong. “We’ll address all of that immediately,” she added with a smirk.” She gestured toward a lavish bathroom down the hall, all marble and gold.
The endlessly large modern classic and feminine looking bathroom, its walls lined with marble and mirrors. The largest clawfoot tub occupies the centre of the room’s gilded walls while a giant walk in shower and a vanity and basin fill the sides.
“A long, luxurious bath filled with feminine soaps and flowery perfumes is in order for you dear,” she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. Chris raised an eyebrow. “A bath? That’s it?” Lady Candice’s sly smile widened. “It’s a start, darling.” She led him to the bathroom, where a massive claw-footed tub sat in the centre, already filled with steaming water and bubbles. “Now, strip off those clothes and get in,” she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument. Chris hesitated, then reluctantly peeled off his hoodie and jeans. The warm water enveloped him as he stepped in, the scent of roses and lavender almost suffocating. Lady Candice grabbed a loofah and began scrubbing his back with surprising gentleness. On stepping out of the tub and being dried off with a soft fluffy towel Chris was surprised to see the reflection staring back at him in the mirror had entirely smooth skin, not a hair below his eye lashes to be seen. He touched his skin and noticed it felt softer, smooth, and not as dry either. As the night wore on, Lady Candice transformed Chris piece by piece. She plucked his eyebrows into delicate arches, applied a face mask to further soften his skin, and applied light but ultimately very feminine looking makeup to his chiseled masculine face. She even convinced him to try on a wig—a long, flowing cascade of blonde hair that in combination with the other changes, made him look like someone else entirely.
Chris stared at his reflection, his heart racing. He barely recognized himself. “Wow I thought this was going to be hard but you’ve done it in one night, looks like Crystal has arrived.” He said as he couldn’t take his eyes off his reflection at the vanity mirror. “Yes it is quite the transformation but trust me dear, we’re just getting started you have a long way to go yet.” Lady Candice pulled out a box with a very intricate, elaborate looking delicate bridal lingerie set—white lace and silk that looked like it would leave no part of him to the imagination. “This is what you’ll wear tonight,” she announced, holding it up for Chris to admire. He stared at it, his stomach churning. “I can’t wear that,” he stammered. “Prince Henry is expecting to spend his wedding night with his husband, Chris, not Princess Crystal.”
Lady Candice smirked. “Nonsense, darling. The prince won’t be able to take his eyes, or hands for that matter off you, just try it on.” With a deep breath, Chris slipped on the lingerie set, the silk cool against his skin. He looked in the mirror again, his eyes widening at the sight of himself—soft, delicate, and undeniably feminine. He was amazed at how the few scant pieces of fabric managed to amplify and enhance just the right features of his shape to make him even more alluring and beautiful. “There,” Lady Candice said with satisfaction.” She led him to the door, her hand resting lightly on his arm. “Go to your husband, Princess Crystal,” she whispered. Chris sashayed down the hall toward Henry’s chambers, his heart pounding in his chest. He felt like an imposter, a fraud wrapped in lace and silk. But there was also a strange thrill in the air, a sense of anticipation he couldn’t shake. As he reached Henry’s door, he hesitated, his hand hovering over the handle. What would Henry think of him? Would he be disgusted? something else? With a deep breath, Chris pushed open the door and stepped inside. Henry turned and was face to face with Princess Crystal for the very first time.