Blake and Roslyn looked up.
“I don’t need to talk about it anymore,” I said, standing abruptly. “I accept.”
I gave Blake a pointed look before I left the chamber.
Chapter 41
On With the Show
ANNA
“Ican’t believe you have to leave before the play,” Isabella said.
“I know, I’m so sorry,” Roslyn said. “I was looking forward to it! I’m afraid this can’t wait.”
We were in the common room of our dorm where Ash had arrived to retrieve Roslyn. Apparently, she’d been summoned to Roran by her father—something about making an appearance. I had a feeling this had something to do with their whole arranged marriage thing, which was so bizarre, but Roslyn didn’t seem to think anything of it. It was just that normal to her.
“We will be back before the end of the semester,” Ash said. “We want to make sure you are as prepared as you can be before your journey through the rift.”
Dread gripped my heart as I thought of passing through the rift alone.
To be lost in the swirling black emptiness was not the way I wanted to meet my end.
“Be safe,” I said, giving Roslyn a hug.
She smiled. “Try not to get into any trouble while I’m gone.”
“Can’t make any promises.”
When the door shut behind them, I glanced at Isabella.
“Want to go find the wine she stashes in her room?” I asked.
Her face lit up. “You read my mind.”
“You. Look. Stunning.”
I looked in the mirror, barely recognizing myself. Isabella moved a curl in my hair over for the hundredth time. Performance day had arrived and I was ready for it to be over, because as soon as it was, I was going to find Blake and tell him exactly how I felt about this separation thing and that nothing he did would keep me from going to the Realm.
“Seriously, you look like you stepped out of the pages. This dress is gorgeous. You won’t find anything made like this anywhere else on Earth,” Isabella said, touching the fabric.
Isabella was dressed in a silver and black gown, her elegance radiating. I glanced in the mirror across the stage. She was right. The gown was made of emerald and silver with needlework that must’ve been done by hand and layer after layer of skirts. It was heavy and I couldn’t imagine dressing like this every day. My hair was in a sweeping updo with loose curls and stiffened with so much hairspray that it would probably look like this for days. Makeup disguised my real identity beneath the mask of a Queen and a tiara that glittered with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds adorned my head.
“This tiara isn’t just a costume piece,” Isabella said. “These are real stones.”
I touched the tiara, suddenly nervous. “Seriously?”
“Anna, are you ready?” one of the stagehands called. “Professor Elara is calling all of the cast to assemble.”
“Yes,” I said, taking deep, slow breaths to calm my nerves.
Don’t think about the tiara, Anna.
“You’re going to be fantastic! Remember, this performance is a treat for the professors, who also bring their families from the Realm. They do not often come here, if at all, and seeing Nightfall for the first time is exciting for them,” Isabella said. “And seeing my gorgeous costumes, of course.”
I shot her a wry grin.
“Yeah, okay,” I said. “Got it. Where’s Blake?”
