The garnet silk seemed to glow in the late afternoon light, rich and dark and complex. The bodice was exactly as she'd designed with Arachne—structured and dramatic with the sweetheart neckline that plunged daringly. But it was the thorned vines that stole breath, the black crystal and jet beading spiraling up from the hem, creating actual texture that caught the light like dark stars.
"You chose red." Eliam's voice had gone very quiet.
"I chose to make it mine." She moved closer to the dress, fingers trailing over the silk. "To wear the color because I want to, not because you demanded it."
He circled the dress form slowly, taking in every detail. When he reached the back, with its provocative lacing, his hands flexed at his sides. "Arachne outdid herself."
"Do you hate it?" She couldn't read his expression.
"Hate it?" He looked at her then, and something raw flickered in his eyes. "I'm trying to decide if I'll be able to let you leave our chambers tomorrow wearing this. If I'll be able to watch others look at you in it without removing their eyes."
Ourchambers. Not hers. Not his.
"My lord," Thaine interrupted, "about the hunt preparations—"
"Handle them." Eliam didn't look away from the dress. "You know what needs doing."
"But there's a matter of—"
"Handle. It." The temperature dropped several degrees. "Or shall I find someone who can manage simple tasks without hand-holding?"
Thaine bowed stiffly. "Of course, my lord. I'll see to everything."
He left, and Briar caught the frustrated look he shot her before the door closed. Whatever he'd wanted to discuss, no doubt related to her recent activities, would have to wait.
"You'll be stunning," Eliam said, still studying the gown. "Everyone in that ballroom will want you. Every hand will itch to touch." He moved to her, fingers trailing down her arm to capture her hand. "And everyone will know you're mine."
"Is that all that matters? That they know I'm yours?"
"No." He brought her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to her palm. "What matters is that you chose to be. This dress says that louder than any mark I could put on you."
The warmth in her chest pulsed, and with it came the crushing weight of truth. Tomorrow night, she would wear this dress she'd chosen. Dance the dance they'd perfected. Stand at his side as his chosen companion.
And in the end, Malus would destroy it all.
"What's wrong?" Eliam's eyes narrowed, catching some shift in her expression.
"Nothing." She forced a smile. "Just overwhelmed. Tomorrow feels very real suddenly."
"It should." He pulled her against him, arms wrapping around her with possessive care. "Tomorrow, everything changes. The court will see you as my companion, not just my claimed human."
"I know." She pressed her face into his chest, breathing in his scent, memorizing the unexpected feeling of safety that would soon shatter.
"Do you?" He pulled back to study her face. "Once you stand beside me at the Wild Hunt ball, there's no going back. You'll be elevated in the eyes of every court, every fae who matters. The mark may bind your body, but tomorrow binds your position."
If only he knew how little time she had left in any position. "I understand."
"Good." He kissed her forehead, the gesture surprisingly tender. "Now, you need to rest. Bathe. Eat something substantial. Tomorrow will be taxing."
"You're leaving?"
"I have matters to attend before the ball. Preparations Thaine apparently can't handle alone." He rolled his eyes. "I'll return tonight."
"Promise?" The word slipped out, needy and desperate.
He paused at the door, looking back with an expression she couldn't read. "Have I ever not returned to you, little thief?"
Then he was gone, leaving her alone with a dress that represented everything she was about to lose.
