It was also stomach-twistingly expensive. And worth every single silver.
I admired the gown in its box as I strolled through town, slipping into the bakery to grab myself a muffin and a tea. I tucked the box into my satchel, nestling it under the body of the sleeping baby dragon.
It was shocking how much the creature slept. A bit worrisome, really.
I bought the dress without an ounce of hesitation. OfcourseI bought it. After seeing the perfect dress, as though the dressmaker had snatched it right from inside my mind, I had to have it.
There was no other option.
I guess I’m going to the ball.
Miss and Mister Moonvale. The event was an ordeal, of course, just like everything in Moonvale was.
It lasted three whole days.
Three.Days.
Every business closed for the occasion. Just about every folk attended.
And, for the third day, everyone donned their fanciest garb. Shimmering fabrics, expensive leathers, and sparklingjewels were sure to be plentiful. Glitz and glamour were the goal. Glitter was expected.
Excitement fizzled through my veins. I felt jittery. On edge.
As I fished in my satchel for a silver coin to pay for my snack, trying my best not to jostle my dragon cargo, my fingers wrapped around something unexpected.
Something smooth and round, about the size of my palm. I pulled it out curiously.
It was a chain. A shiny gold chain with a glittering gem hanging from it as a pendant. Was that… a diamond?
Where had it come from? It wasn’t something I recalled grabbing myself or purchasing from any shops. Surely, I would have remembered.
Maybe Kizzi slipped it into my satchel by mistake, and I just didn’t realize it.
Or maybe Brambleby snagged it while I wasn’t looking.
I flipped it over in my palm, letting my fingers drift over the shining surface. It sure was pretty.
With a shrug, I dropped it back into my bag and pulled out my pouch of silvers.
CHAPTER 8
Shade
Asmile adorned her face today. A lovely, bright, intoxicating smile.
I wanted to fucking murder whoever placed that smile on her face.
That should have beenmyright.Myprivilege.Myduty.
I wasn’t sure where the anger stemmed from. It certainly wasn’t jealousy.
Jealousy had no place here.
She was mine, and that was that.
Ginger was a vision. A goddess come to life. Art walking.
She drifted through town as though she were woven into its very core. She didn’t even notice the effect she had on people. She spoke to almost everyone, whether it be a quick conversation or a simple greeting.
