I studied the white bone. It wasn’t pretty, would likely look ridiculous with my dress. But…
“No. I’m not removing it.”
Yusilin tutted, but she didn’t seem surprised. I watched her as I offered my other wrist, but she stiffened, shaking her head.
I glanced down at my bare arm, but she was already fastening the black jewels next to the bone bracelet.
“They look perfect,” she said.
“Thank you for your help.” I glanced back in the mirror. Yusilin had curled my hair, pulling half of it up off my face where it was held in place with a diadem. It glittered with the same black jewels, which she’d slipped into various places in my hair as well. She’d also darkened my eyes and swept color across my cheekbones. Other than a coat of gloss, she’d left my lips bare.
I turned to slip my feet into the matching heels Yusilin had insisted I wear, while she began to gather up the dress I’d changed out of, carrying it toward the basket of laundry which one of the other maids was waiting to collect.
“Straight down to the laundress,” Yusilin told her. “She’ll want to wear the midnight blue gown tomorrow.”
The maid placed the basket on her hip, but one of my heavy dresses hung over the side, unbalancing it slightly. Something fell from the dress, clanking to the floor as I glowered down at my heels.
My gown was long enough that I’d be ditching those heels at the first opportunity.
“Your royal highness?” the maid had stepped up next to me, and she held out a gold ring. “This fell from one of your pockets.”
Yusilin looked shocked. “I should have checked your pockets. I apologize.”
Was shetrembling?I’d never done anything to make her fear me… had I?
“No damage done,” I told her with a smile, slipping the ring onto my finger to demonstrate that little fact. It didn’t go with my black jewels at all, but Yusilin smiled.
“You’re ready. Best not keep your grandfather waiting.” She opened the door to reveal Pischiel, looking handsome in bronze formalwear. His eyes darkened as he ran his gaze over my body. “You look beautiful. As always.”
I studied his face. “Is everything okay?”
He shrugged, but like Yusilin, he couldn’t seem to meet my eyes. “Fine. Let’s go before our entrance is later than fashionable.”
I watched him some more as we walked down the stairs and toward the ballroom.
“You seem… guilty about something.”
Pischiel went still. “What would I have to be guilty about?”
I sighed. “Nothing. Ignore me. Yusilin was acting a little strange…” We were approaching the ballroom, and I took a deep breath as the guards on the doors flung them open. Heads turned, and I fought to keep my voice neutral as Pischiel escorted me toward the dais where my grandfather sat on his throne. The back had been carved out, leaving room for his wings, and the entirety of the throne was dotted with the same black jewels that decorated my throat and wrist. The throne was a priceless artifact and incredible display of wealth.
Hera sat next to that throne on a smaller ornate chair. The concubine smiled slyly at me, and I forced myself to smile back.
“Danica,” Lucifer smiled at me. “You look lovely.”
You look like you should die screaming.
I pushed my intrusive thoughts away and smiled. “Thank you, grandfather.”
He seemed to be in an excellent mood, beaming at me as the music started up again.
Something flashed as Hera tucked her hair behind one ear. My breaths came faster. My fingertips tingled. Pischiel turned toward me, and his face tightened.
I jumped at Hera. My foot caught in my dress and only strong arms around my waist stopped me from face planting. Grandfather laughed as the music stopped playing.
“My granddaughter is showcasing that fiery temper.”
Pischiel slowly released me, and I stared at Hera, slowly sliding one finger along my throat. Pischiel grabbed my hand and pulled it away from my neck, squeezing until I growled at him.
