The meeting wrapped up before I even realized, and Calix grabbed my hand before I could move to leave.
“Meet me outside at first dark?” he asked, a plea in his eyes as his head drifted down toward me.
I tilted my own head in question, and he smiled softly. “I have an idea to help you with your powers.”
A part of me melted, and I cursed that part of me that had softened since Placement Day. I knew I wasn’t ready yet, but Calix made it hard to remember anything practical. Keeping away from him was a more challenging task every time I saw him. These moments of softness he showed me, so different from how stern he could be as king, or even how playful he could be with his friends.
This was like a Calix just for me.
My dorchadas.
One that had no problem letting me in, in a way I couldn’t seem to reciprocate. A pang in my heart reminded me that he deserved the world, and a mate not so emotionally stunted and damaged.
“I’ll be there,” I promised, wanting every moment I could spend with him, selfish as it was.
When I made it back to my room, I was surprised to find Delia and Ilta removing some items and adding new ones to my closet.
“What’s all this?” I asked them curiously as I approached. They both lit up with wide smiles.
“This, is your new wardrobe!” Ilta exclaimed, bouncing slightly on her toes as she held up a gorgeous dress I couldn’t help drooling over.
“With your new status as a Fae royal, you’ll be expected to dress in certain ways at certain times,” Delia explained, watching Ilta and I in amusement as we both fawned over a silver and purple gown. “Most royals dress according to their house, but Calix thought it would make more sense for you to dress for your powers for now.”
I looked up, my brow raised in question. “My powers?”
“Of course!” Delia nodded smartly. “Your starlight is silvery in color, and your dragon is, of course, silver and purple. We did include a couple of gold and purple pieces if you ever want to dress to honor Day, and some black and purple to honor Night, should the need ever arise. But truly, silver and purple make the most sense for you.”
“It’s kind of beautiful.” Ilta sighed, looking over the dresses and then back at me. “You’re the heir of Day, but the mate of Night. A Queen of Stars to oversee both.”
“A Queen of Stars, where have I heard that before?” I mumbled as I looked up at Ilta. Her wide eyes shot to Delia, who looked back at her with an identical expression. I looked between them, suspicion rising.
“What? What aren’t you telling me?” I pressed, watching them warily.
“Nothing! Nothing, really. Just, just maybe something to ask Calix about sometime. That’s all!” Ilta babbled, setting me on edge.
Soft hands landed on my shoulders, and Delia’s warm doe eyes met mine. “It’s truly nothing bad. It’s just something I don’t think Calix has had an opportunity to discuss with you. But you two will have plenty of time together as you travel all over the damn continent.”
“Ugh,” Ilta groaned, “Don’t remind me! We’re going to have to somehow pack for Sunrise Kingdom! Do you know how many outfits we’re going to have to have rush made? Nothing here will be suitable for the style or the weather there!”
“We’ll manage.” Delia insisted, rolling her eyes. “We haven’t had to worry about diplomatic trips in years, but I didn’t think you’d be so rusty.” She teased, making Ilta immediately straighten as she set her glare on Delia.
She pointed a finger at her. “How dare you.”
Delia snickered, and I couldn’t help the giggle I let out. Ilta huffed, moving to put a dress away with a bit more force than necessary.
“Well, this might brighten your spirits. Calix asked me to meet him at first dark,” I announced, and both looked at me with glee in their eyes. My eyes widened and I held up my hands as I immediately began backtracking. “For magic training! I just need something to wear. I don’t need armor for this, after all.”
The two rolled their eyes at me, deflating slightly, but began searching through dresses to find something appropriate for tonight.
“Hopefully, anyway,” I added, grumbling.
“You definitely won’t!” Ilta added in a sing-song voice. “But what you do need is a dress that will entice and seduce without being obvious about it.”
I opened my mouth to shut that down, but she rushed to keep talking before I could.
“You aren’t ready yet for more, or at least, you don’tthinkyou are.” Her tone made it more than clear that she disagreed. “But regardless, you want Calix’s eyes on you, don’t you?”
While Ilta’s teasing wasn’t appreciated at this very moment, I couldn’t deny her words. I loved having Calix’s attention on me. The thrill of it truly never got old.
