CHAPTER 22
Iawoke the following morning to three gentle knocks on the door of my tower bedroom.
“Princess Naria?” A timid woman’s voice called from outside. “There’s a delivery of some gowns for yourself.”
My body was still heavy with tiredness. Theo and I had arrived back only a few hours before dawn, and the little sleep I did get was tainted with dreams of crystal chambers and secret kisses.
“Thank you, please bring them in,” I croaked, reluctantly heaving myself up from the warm pillows.
As my vision adjusted to the bright mid-morning sun, the servant hurried into the room, carrying two large boxes which she promptly placed at the end of my bed. I barely even had time to thank her before she dipped her head and excused herself.
Slipping out of my floral bed sheets, I threw on a plain gown and raked a comb through my hair – the Summer Ball was tonight, so there was no point in making any effort now. Then, after feeling like I was mostly presentable, I scooped up the boxes, skipped over to my bedside, and knocked quietly on the door that connected Raena’s room to mine.
“Raena?” I tried my best to keep my voice gentle and soft. When there was no response, I carefully pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Our rooms, while separated by a crisp ivory wall, were almost identical. The same birch vanity had been placed by her window, and the same wide dressers stood proud by the walls, except, instead of being covered in medicine bottles and herbs, Raena’s dressers were practically bursting with colourful gowns and countless accessories. In the centre of the room was a grand silk bed, just like the one I’d woken up in, although on this bed was a giant nest of what appeared to be several layers of thick blankets. As I paced closer, the heap stirred, seemingly alive as rustling sounds came from beneath it.
“Naria?” A muffled cry crept out from the heap. “Is that you?” The voice was weak and very croaky, but still undeniably Raena’s.
“It’s me,” I reassured her. “Would you be able to come out from there? I have a surprise for you.”
The heap shuffled for a few moments. “I’d rather not… My face is terribly puffy, and I probably wouldn’t stand so close if I were you, it’s been a while since I last bathed.”
My heart broke for her. All I wanted to do was throw my arms around her shoulders and tell her over and over again that everything would be okay, that the faeries were far from here, and that she was safe, but she needed space and I had to respect that.
Taking a seat in a nearby plush armchair, I sighed loudly enough for her to hear. “That’s a shame, because you are the only person I know who would fit into this gorgeous new gown I’ve had custom-made.”
The heap stirred. That certainly got her attention.
Two dainty hands slipped out from below the pile of bed sheets. “You bought a new gown?” she questioned suspiciously. A head of midnight-black curls followed the hands, popping up from under the blankets, while two narrowed brown eyes stared back at me.
I nodded, trying to hide the excitement on my face. “About a week ago, I received a letter from that designer you’ve told me so much about. What was his name… Seh-something?” I knew exactly what his name was. Cedrelei was only the most popular clothing designer in all of Nythinia. Even my friends back in Honeymeade dreamt about someday being able to touch one of his dresses. And of course, with everyone believing I was about to marry Prince Lukas, the designer was very eager to provide two gowns for the future Queen of Drothmore and her closest friend.
Raena’s mouth fell open. “Naria.” She sprang up from the blankets, shoving them aside dramatically. “Tell me you’re not hiding Cedrelei gowns in those boxes.” Her gaze locked hungrily onto my lap as though she was seeing the world’s most delicious cake, instead of the two rather plain-looking boxes that sat there.
“Was it Cedrelei? Now I actually can’t remember,” I said, innocently tapping my chin. “Why don’t you check for me? I believe this one is yours.” I held out one of the boxes towards her, and she snatched it from me, her fingers turning pale as she gripped the sides.
“Naria, if this is Cedrelei, I will scream! I will actually scream!”
Biting down on a smile, I watched as she peeled away the ribbon that held the box shut. Her hands were shaking. And for me, watching her excitement was better than every birthday rolled into one. I could almost hear her heart pounding as she lifted the lid and buried her fingers into the shimmering fabric inside.
“Blessed Oceans…” she breathed. Without waiting a moment longer, she rose from the bed, dragging the dress out of the box with her. The thick fabric of the skirt cascaded to the floor as a deafeningly loud shriek bounced off the walls. “I don’t know what to say, Naria. It’s… it’s—”
“The most beautiful gown I’ve ever seen,” I answered for her.
It truly was. I hadn’t provided much of a brief for the designer, other than Raena’s sizing and a few details about her family, but apparently Cedrelei had done his own research because somehow the turquoise gown captured every essence of Lady Raena and her birth kingdom of Ryntook. The entire gown shimmered in a gradient of ocean blues, while the bottom of the skirt was a much deeper turquoise, with small golden fish and corals embroidered around the hem. Similar ocean-themed patterns lined the bodice and the thin, flowing off-the-shoulder sleeves. I had never in my life seen something so spectacular and ornate. It would look stunning on her at the Summer Ball.
That’s if she still wanted to go. My chest tightened at the thought.
“I was thinking you could wear it for the ball tonight?” I spoke quietly, not wanting to upset her. “But if you don’t think you can manage it, that’s fine. There will be other balls.” I studied her face for any kind of reaction.
“Oh,” she breathed, suddenly appearing to shrink behind the gown. “I don’t know… Somehow I’d forgotten all about that.”
“There’s no pressure at all,” I insisted. “Don’t feel like you have to put yourself out there just because I bought you a new gown.”
Her fingers continued exploring the fabric of the bodice as she thought.
“No,” she finally decided, her voice taking on a more assertive tone. “I’ve been in here for far too long now anyway. A ball will be a good distraction. And it would be such a waste to let this dress sit in my wardrobe for a whole season.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded confidently. “Absolutely.” A glimmer of excitement sparkled in her smile, and despite the dark circles under her lower lashes, she already looked so much more alive. “Now please, you must show me yours. It should be illegal to have a Cedrelei gown delivered and not try it on at once!”
We burst into a fit of excited giggles as I reached for the other unopened dress box.
Many, many hours later, both Raena and I were finally ready. There must’ve been magic in the rose-scented bubbles of her bath water as all traces of this morning seemed to have washed away, leaving her looking absolutely stunning. Her turquoise gown fit perfectly, with the glittering corset top emphasising the soft curves of her waist and chest. Even her hair had been detangled and fashionably shaped into a dainty halo around her head before being decorated with gold hair jewellery. She looked radiant, and it was impossible to not feel a twinge of jealousy.
“I should go,” she said, fluttering her hand fan as we stepped into the hallway. “The prince will be here soon to escort you, and I don’t want to interfere.” She giggled.
Nerves chewed at my stomach. I hadn’t yet told her about last night’s visit to the faeries. While we were dressing, I’d spoken about how Lukas and I had grown closer – but of course, it would be hard not to if you have dinner with someone every day. Still, there was no denying that I found him attractive, and clearly, the feeling was mutual. But at the end of the day, it wouldn’t matter if we loved each other to the stars and back; if he couldn’t help my kingdom, he couldn’t have me.
And after that kiss from Arenn, I wasn’t sure if I even wanted him at all anymore.
“You wouldn’t be interfering with anything,” I told her plainly. “There’s nothing between us.”
Raena’s smile fell, and I could’ve sworn a cold wind brushed past my exposed shoulders.
“Nothing between us?” a low voice repeated from behind me, sending my stomach diving for the floor. “Then perhaps I should’ve invited another court lady instead to—”
The prince’s mouth fell open as I whirled to face him. He was dressed in a formal grey and gold doublet, while his dark brown hair was styled in such an effortless way – I had to swallow down a heart flutter. Glancing at his face, his stormy eyes must’ve been too busy tracing the semi-sheer fabric of my gown to remember what he was going to say next, because his mouth quickly clamped shut and his jaw tightened.
His reaction didn’t surprise me, my gown was certainly unusual. Unlike the typical flared skirt style that was so popular amongst the other ladies here, the shimmering violet fabric slinked down my body, tightly wrapping around my curves and finishing just off the floor. There was also a long slit that travelled up to my thigh, and although it was completely scandalous, it at least made walking a little easier. Small silver stars were embroidered into the bodice that hugged my waist and chest. And while the low-cut neckline showed a little more maturity than I would have liked, Raena’s shower of compliments on how gorgeous I looked convinced me to not rip it off and shove myself into something more plain.
That being said, by the way Lukas couldn’t keep his eyes off me, I was beginning to think I might regret that decision.
“I’ll see you both at the ball,” Lady Raena whispered, dipping her head in parting.
Before she hurried off, I slipped a small vial of anxiety powder into her hand. “If you start feeling afraid again, mix that in with some wine. It will calm your nerves.”
She nodded, giving me a thankful smile before she disappeared down the marble stairs.
“What was that about?” Lukas asked, finally tearing his gaze away from my gown.
“None of your concern,” I said dismissively. “It’s just a mixture of herbs I threw together to help her at the party.”
“And why would she need help at the party?” His eyebrows lowered. “If something bad has happened to one of my future subjects, I need to know.”
“Like I said, that’s none of your concern,” I insisted. “This is a private matter between Lady Raena and me, and the issue is being resolved.” At least I hoped it was. While I hadn’t yet seen Arenn make good on his promise, I hoped that by the time I next visited, that green guard along with his smug smile would be thrown straight into a prison cell.
My firm answer seemed to satisfy the prince, though. With one last suspicious look, he held out his arm for me to take. “Shall we?”