Abruptly the maids pounce and pull at my robe with their nimble fingers, but when I shriek, they stumble backwards.
“You know, I’m quite tired of strangers undressing me tonight,” I snap, tightening the cord around my waist. “And I am far too exhausted to put on that ridiculous dress. The hour is late and I wish to go to bed.”
“Queen Lanneth commands we dress you,” Solena says firmly. “So dress you, we shall. Otherwise…”
“Otherwise what?” I taunt. “What worse things could you Fae possibly have in store for me?”
“Otherwise, the queen has instructed some Blades of the Ebon Flight to dress you instead,” Solena replies sharply. “Outside. While the others watch.”
My jaw clenches. “You wouldn’t dare.”
Solena bows. “I dare nothing, my lady. These are the orders of Queen Lanneth.”
An ire swells in the pit of my stomach as I grind my teeth. I yank the cord away from my waist and my robe falls open before I shrug it to the ground. “Fine. But be quick about it.”
The maids set to their task, stuffing me into a dress which seems far too small and tying the corset so tight you would think breathing was of no importance. The bodice feels hard as steel against my chest, cinching my waist tight and pushing my breasts up and out while the satin clings to every curve of my hips and thighs. Huge, puffy sleeves erupt like wings from my shoulders, and layers of heavy lace flare out at the back, leaving a long, snaking train behind me. With the dress on, the maids attack my face and hair next and it is not until the powdering and combing ceases and they at last give me room to breathe that I behold what a monstrosity they have made me.
Is the reflection in the mirror truly me?
Amara Tyne, Jewel of the Tenders, Guardian of the Grove.
I walk through the forest barefoot in flowing green robes sewn by my hand, with my brown hair long and matted down my back. Now I am imprisoned in a death shroud—prepared, painted, and presented for the Mordorin gaze, a spectacle meant to please their wicked prince.
I struggle to find myself beneath the heavy, glittering black eye makeup and luminescent face powder. My lips painted deepred, almost black, to match the gown, and my wild waves of hair tamed and slicked back into a severe bun.
Solena opens a green velvet box on the dresser, and I’m practically blinded by the glinting jeweled combs and headpieces inside. The precious gems hold such great value they could feed a village for an entire season. It is far too much wealth to be held by one person, and even worse, just for their hair. Solena takes a set of ruby combs that could buy a mountain of grain and places them on either side of my coiffed hair.
Now I can barely stand to look at myself.
“Maybe we should have braided her hair,” a maid remarks to another. “The prince favors a braid.”
“You would know,” is the reply, and the women giggle behind their hands.
“Perhaps we should loosen the corset,” whispers another. “Our prince can be impatient.”
The maids laugh again, twittering like little birds. I look at Solena behind me, reflected in the mirror. She does not engage with them, her eyes set solely on fidgeting with the last few details of my hair, but she could not hide that smirk even in pitch black darkness.
They speak so freely about the prince with no regard for my presence. It is clear they want me to hear their bragging. To make me feel embarrassed, helpless and alone.
I will not allow it.
I slam my hands on the dresser and push myself to my feet, my scowl silencing them.
“You are no longer needed,” I say tersely. “Leave. Now.”
The maids bow and hasten from the room. Solena is last, bowing before taking a gilded handle in each hand and smoothly closing the doors behind her. But even when they are gone, I can hear their cackles in the hall.
Is this true? Does the Mordorin prince make bedmates of his servants in this awful place?
I knew I was to be the bride of a fiend and a murderer. Of course, he is a lecherous scoundrel as well.
Perhaps it is just this ridiculous corset, but suddenly I cannot breathe.
Why am I wearing this hideous gown?
Why have they dressed me up in the middle of the night?
I hate it here. I want to go home. Far away from these cruel creatures and the horrid fate they have in store for me. But there would be no home if not for this bargain. Mine is a sacrifice that keeps The Grove safe.
