Ellie turned back to her reflection. She did look better than she ever had before. Her first new ball gown had arrived, and it was gorgeous. Fashioned of a rich purple brocade that made her skin seem to glow, the dress hugged her torso, enhancing curves Ellie never knew she had, and the low, square neckline flattered her corseted bosom. Tight sleeves fit snugly over her upper arms, ending at her elbows in a fall of red silk-lined drapery that brushed the floor when her arms were lowered. The skirts fell in straight, flowing lines to her feet. The gown’s elegant simplicity and becoming cut made Ellie look regal rather than tall and gawky. Her hair, which had been dressed by a seasoned apprentice to the queen’s own coiffeuse, was piled high, woven in an elaborate display of plaits and curls. Against one hip, Belliard’s dagger hung in Kieran’s golden sheath.
She put a hand to her throat to touch the diamond necklace Rain had given her. “I’m so afraid they will laugh at me, the woodcarver’s daughter pretending to be a queen.”
“In the Lord of Light’s eyes, we’re all equally worthy.” Lauriana put her hands on Ellie’s shoulders and met her daughter’s eyes in the mirror. “Promise me you’ll keep to the Bright Path, Ellie. Promise me that even in the Fading Lands you’ll observe your devotions and guard your soul against evil.”
“Mama?” Ellie turned in surprise and took her mother’s hands. “What’s wrong?”
“Just promise me.”
“You know I will, Mama.” But Ellie bit her lip. Apart from todayat the cathedral, she hadn’t said her devotions since the day Rain Tairen Soul entered her life. Was that what her dreams were telling her? That without constant vigilance, her soul would fall into darkness? “I’ll say my devotions right now, with you, if you like.”
“Would you?”
The surprise in her mother’s eyes hurt. Ellie blinked back tears. Had the last few days torn such a rift between them? “Of course I will.” She took her mother’s hand and knelt beside the bed. Devotions were the one thing Ellie had always been able to share with her mother no matter what, the times when she’d always felt her mother’s love the strongest. She bent her head and closed her eyes and murmured the familiar words. “Holy Adelis, Lord of Light, shine your brightness upon me. Glorious Father, Sun of my Soul, grant me strength to stand against darkness. Adelis, Bright One, Lord of my Heart, bless me and keep me always in the Light.” She gave the fanning wave of the Lord of Light.
“Blessed be,” Lauriana murmured. When they rose to their feet, Lauriana had tears in her eyes, and she clasped her daughter to her in a tight hug. “I love you, kitling.”
“I love you, too, Mama. You’re my beacon.”
Mama stepped back, wiping her eyes with the heels of her palms. “Go on, then,” she said gruffly. “I won’t follow you down. I wouldn’t want to embarrass myself by turning watering pot in front of the Fey.”
Rain was waiting when Ellysetta descended the stairs. He was once again dressed in magnificent black, red, and purple, with the chain of large gold disks and Tairen’s Eye crystals around his neck. The six-pointed crown rested on his brow, and he looked imposing and kingly.
He was scowling.
The knot in Ellie’s stomach tightened.
His gaze raked over her in one critical sweep. “You won’t need that necklace tonight. Bel, bring her jewels.”
Ellie lowered her eyes to hide a sudden flare of hurt and reached behind her head to undo the clasp of her necklace. What had she expected? That he would be dazzled just because she was wearing a gorgeous dress and had done her hair?
Bel approached, carrying a silk-covered box.«You are lovely, Ellysetta Baristani.»
She gave him a tremulous smile.
Beside her, Rain gave a quiet grunt, as if someone had just hit him. His scowl deepened, and he flashed a dark look at Bel. Then he returned his attention to Ellie, and warm approval touched her senses, mingled with faint apology. “You bring pride to this Fey, Ellysetta.”
She nodded, not looking at him.
She heard him draw a breath as if he were about to speak, heard him let it back out again on a sigh. “Open the box, Bel,” he said.
Bel drew back the lid of the silk-covered box, and Ellysetta caught her breath in awe. Against the rich velvet lining gleamed a stunning golden tiara set with pearls and precious jewels and three large, shimmering Tairen’s Eye crystals. Two equally stunning crystals adorned a pair of magnificent matching golden bracelets.
“These jewels are a gift for tonight only,” Rain said. “The Tairen’s Eye crystals are thesorreisu kiyr, the Soul Quest crystals, of your quintet. They requested the honor of having you wear them as we present you to Celieria as our queen.”
Ellysetta glanced around the room, meeting the shining eyes of each warrior in her quintet. “The honor is mine. Thank you all.”
She stood still as Rain settled the tiara in place and clasped the bracelets on her wrists. Her skin tingled where the jewels touched her flesh, as if thesorreisu kiyrhummed with warm, living energy. And Rain’s emotions seemed clearer, sharper. She could feel his coiled tension and the sparks of anger flashing through his veins.
“Rain?” She touched his hand.
“We should go.”
“Just a moment.” Sol stepped forward. “I need to kiss this pretty young woman before she leaves.” Warm, loving arms wrapped around her. The familiar scent of fresh wood shavings and pipe smoke filled her nostrils. “I love you, Ellie-girl,” Sol whispered.
Fresh tears sprang to Ellie’s eyes. She blinked them back before anyone saw them and returned her father’s hug. “I love you, too, Papa.”
“Enjoy yourself tonight.”
