Once my hair was dry, I felt lighter. Some of the tension in my shoulders released and my tongue was just loose enough to ask, “Why hasn’t he taken aMorakkariyet?”
Hukri began brushing out my hair. The last step before I would have to face the horde. And in the outfit I was wearing…or rather, the lack of outfit. I’d felt more covered in the translucent dress the witches had given me.
“He was expected to. Everyone believed it would be Junira.”
Another thing I’d noticed was that I was now privy to anyone’s given name.
“She is the daughter of one of Rath Rowin’s bestdarukkars,” Hukri informed me. “TheVorakkardrank from her goblet two feasts ago when she presented it to him. She spent that night in his bed. We had expected an announcement soon. I don’t think anyone expected you.”
I didn’t think Rowin expected me either, I thought, pressing my lips together, wondering why I felt a prick of hotjealousylash at me at the thought of this Junira. Some of my nerves were leaving me. Anger was rising again only it felt different. It wasbaffling. I didn’t care for him. So why did I care if another female had been in his bed not long ago?
“Is she upset?” I asked. “I stole her place.”
“You didn’t steal anything,” Hukri said, pausing in brushing my hair. I heard the frown in her voice. “TheVorakkarchose you. We all saw your strength. Even Junira cannot fault him for choosing you over her.”
Though it had been two nights ago, I still felt the lingerings of exhaustion from my overexertion.
I didn’t want to speak of Rowin anymore, or his almost-queen.
“Will I get to meet your daughter tonight at the feast?” I asked instead. “And your mate?”
The smile in Hukri’s voice was evident though she said, “Nik, likely not. You will be up on the dais all night with theVorakkar. Though it is thetassimara, there is no actual ceremony. It is more of a celebration for the horde and you will be expected to be with him all night.”
“Oh, I see,” I whispered, disappointment flooding me.
Hukri worked on my hair in silence after that, brushing it until it was soft and supple down my back. She’d told me she liked my hair, had often sighed over it as she brushed through the waves.
Once she was done, she pulled the top half of it back and secured it with the same golden clasp I’d worn a couple nights ago. A gift from Rowin, apparently. Then she added in little gold beads and small cuffs to my hair, securing them around the wavy tendrils.
“One last thing,” she said, rising. She’d brought many things this night, which were all laid out on the table. “And I fear you will not like it.”
She procured a tiny, clear pot of what looked like gold paint, holding it out before me. She opened the lid and was just about to dab her fingers into it when she hesitated. She peered at me and said, “This gold is meant for theVorakkar.”
My brow furrowed.
“When he kisses you here tonight,” she finished, reaching out to touch my bared breast, making me jump.
Realization made my cheeks flush hot.
The gold…was meant to cover my nipples?
Tonight couldn’t be more discomforting or mortifying already. I was already half-naked. Though the skirt was long, the material was nearly translucent and a long slit went from my ankle to my hip bone. When I walked, the slit shifted and if I wasn’t careful, it flashed my bare sex for all to see.
As for my top…it was nonexistent. Only my hair would cover my back. A gold necklace was the only covering for my front. Large and heavy, it was encrusted with red jewels and shimmering opals, dipping just low enough to hide my nipples from view. Nipples that would be painted with gold, so that Rowin could lick them clean later…
A shuddering breath left me.
“I’ll do it,” I whispered, taking the pot of gold paint from her hand. With my cheeks burning, I dabbed the paint onto myself, my nipples pebbling tight underneath my fingers.
When I was done, Hukri handed me a small yet ornate mirror. With hesitation, I took it from her and lifted it.
I’d only ever caught sight of myself in water reflections, so to see myself clearly for the first time was jarring. A strange sensation. With disappointment, I saw that I was no great beauty. Not like Tess or Kaila or Shayna.
However, the gold powder that dusted my cheekbones and nose made my skin look luminous and glowing. The dark powder that lined my eyes deepened their color and made them appear almost…sultry. My cheeks were flushed with nerves. Tendrils of my hair framed my face, softening my appearance.
Hukri was waiting for my approval and I gave her a shaky smile, returning the mirror to her.
“Thank you.Kakkira vor,” I added, since she’d taught me the words in Dakkari. And I figured if I would be living amongst a Dakkari horde, I should begin to learn their language. Not everyone spoke in the universal tongue. Very few did, actually.
