8. Luna
CHAPTER EIGHT
LUNA
The next day, Sofia, Rose and I prepared for the masquerade. Lavender and rosewater scented the air as well as the vase of fresh flowers on my vanity. Sofia carefully sorted through the array of gowns laid out, while Rose frowned down at my jewelry.
I stood in my shift, auburn hair down in waves cascading over my shoulders. Sofia held up an understated deep blue silk gown. "This would be perfect, Luna. Sophisticated, not too flashy. You can blend in and observe without attracting attention, until you choose to move."
Rose vehemently shook her head, needle in hand. "No, no, no, you need to make an impression. Wear the emerald silk. It'll make your eyes almost green and highlight your hair. Benedetto won't be able to look away."
A small smile tugged at my lips. "You both make fair points. But tonight, I think standing out is key."
I reached for the emerald gown, the shimmering fabric sliding between my fingers. Daring, with a low square cut neckline and fitted bodice that would hug my figure.
If I was going to confront Benedetto, I needed to look powerful, confident. He wouldn't think of me as a child or a neglected wife dressed like this.
Rose selected a pair of delicate moonstone earrings that caught the light with an ethereal glow. "These will look perfect with the gown." She held them up.
I put on the earrings, examining myself in the mirror. My fingers ran over a simple silver necklace resting against my collarbone. "No colored stones," I said. "I don't want to seem like I'm trying too hard. Some pearls in my hair, too, I think."
Rose slipped a thin, silver bangle onto my wrist, giving me a playful smile. "For luck," she said. "You'll need it."
I sat as she twisted my hair up in an elaborate braid, leaving some loose to flow down my back. She twisted my mother's scarlet veil into my hair, too, and somehow its presence soothed worry inside me. Scattered pearl pins finished the hair.
I turned my attention to the mask, the final piece. Several options lay before me: an intricate gold one with scrollwork, a black satin mask trimmed with lace, and a silver filigree mask adorned with tiny emeralds. I'd attended many masquerades as Vala’s proxy, but none with this kind of pressure weighing on me.
Picking up the silver filigree mask, I held it to my face and examined my reflection. The delicate design enhanced my large eyes, making them even more striking.
"It's perfect," Sofia said. "You look like a queen of the night."
As I secured the mask in place, a surge of confidence washed over me. A mask can be a shield. Tonight, I'll be whoever I need to be to get what I want.
I adjusted the mask once more, ensuring it was firmly in place. The silver filigree felt cool against my skin, a tangible reminder of the role I had to play.
No turning back now. Whatever happens, I must see this through - for Rose, for Sofia, for our future.
With a final glance in the mirror, I turned to face my sister and our tutor and friend, ready to step into the night and the challenges that awaited me at the masquerade.
Rose stepped back, studying me with a critical gaze. "You look stunning," she said, her words filled with pride. "He won't be able to resist you."
A swell of affection surged through me. I reached out, taking Rose's hand in mine. "Thank you."
Her fingers tightened around mine, a silent acknowledgment of the weight we carried together.
Sofia, who had been silently watching, stepped forward and placed a hand on my shoulder. "You've come so far, Luna. Whatever happens tonight, remember your strength. You're more powerful than you know."
A lump formed in my throat, but I swallowed it down and nodded. Sofia's words echoed in my mind, a mantra I clung to as I prepared to face the challenges ahead.
I have to do this, for Rose, for Sofia, for our future .
I pulled on a pair of delicate kid gloves, the emerald silk of my gown brushing against my fingers as I slipped them on. I adjusted my mask one last time, checking my reflection in the mirror. Everything was perfect.
Rose approached me, holding out my twin fans.
I slipped the loop of one fan over my wrist and hung the other from the place where my bodice met my skirt, the silk and lace concealing their true nature. Rose's fingers lingered on mine for a moment, her pale brown eyes filled with concern.
"Be careful," she said, her voice barely audible. "Don’t do anything that might get you hurt."
Sofia stepped forward, holding out a small vial of perfume. "Lavender and jasmine. For luck and for courage."
I dabbed a bit of the perfume behind my ears, inhaling deeply. The scent was calming, grounding me in the moment.
"Thank you," I said. "Both of you. You’ve helped so much."
Rose's hand found mine, her fingers intertwining with my own.
Sofia asked, "Are you sure about this?"
I clenched the fabric of my emerald gown. "I don't have a choice, Sofia. This is what needs to be done."
Her expression softened, a mixture of understanding and worry. "Then may the absent gods keep you."
I swallowed the lump in my throat. The absent gods. Hidden or dead, their powers lost to time. What good are they to me now?
Sofia meant well.
I stood, the emerald gown whispering against my skin as I moved. The mask felt heavy on my face, a reminder of the role I had to play tonight.
Benedetto would find out he’d underestimated me.
I turned to Sofia, my resolve hardening like steel. "I will not fail. I cannot."
She smiled then, a fierce pride shining in her eyes. "Of course not. Show that fool what he’s missed."
With those words ringing in my ears, I stepped out of the room, ready to face whatever the night had in store.