Adalyn turned her palms over and studied the scrapes.“No,” she said firmly.“I just wish I wasn’t this shaky.”
“Are you ever going to tell Lord Huntley?”
“I don’t know.He’ll want revenge and that’s exactly what she wants him to do.She wants to make him pay for discarding her.”
“Well, I have an idea for your hands.”
Adalyn raised an eyebrow.Gabi entered the huge closet and came out a moment later with elbow-high white gloves.
“You have to wear blue tonight,” Gabi said “Apparently, it symbolizes trust, security and loyalty.But you can use these with it.”
“That’s a good idea,” Adalyn said.She sat on the bed in a robe watching Gabi discard one garment after another.“Faye told me that after my vows, I will be handed the chalice from Gareth and I’ll drink some of his blood.”
“Not enough to turn you but enough to help your body regenerate when it’s damaged, so that you’ll live longer.That’s cool.What about this one?”Gabi pulled out a dress and immediately shook her head before sticking it back.“No.Too short.What about this one?No.The thigh slit is too high.”
She found fault with every one until she pulled out a simplistic, yet beautiful, dress.Navy blue tulle lace, V-neck with spaghetti straps.It was a simple garment and Adalyn loved it immediately.
“Yes,” she said.“It’s perfect.”
“It is, isn’t it?”Gabi asked with a smile.“Okay!Let’s beautify you.Lord Huntley is going to flip when he sees you.”
The next hour was devoted to getting ready.Gabi blow dried her hair and then braided it into an elegant up-do, leaving wisps framing her face.Her makeup was minimal, highlighting her natural attributes without anything harsh or garish.She had just slipped on the gloves when a knock sounded on the door.Gabi went to answer it.
Adalyn stood in front of the mirror, eyes wide as she caressed her hand over the beautiful dress.She’d never felt more lovely, which all brides were supposed to feel.Although the upcoming ceremony might not be a true wedding, it was the biggest commitment she’d ever make.Instead of scaring her, however, she looked forward to the rest of her life with Gareth.They hadn’t known each other long, but she already cared deeply for him and knew it was just a matter of time before she fell in love.If she wasn’t already there.
“Lord Huntley had this sent for you,” Gabi said, holding out a bag with a famous jewelry store name printed on it.
Adalyn turned from the mirror and took the bag.She withdrew an obvious jewelry box, and when she opened it, she gasped at the gorgeous sapphire necklace nestled inside.
“Oh, my God,” she breathed.“This is too much.”
“Wow,” Gabi said.
“I can’t accept this,” Adalyn told her.“Gareth has already spent too much money on my clothes.”
“It’s custom.”
Adalyn blinked.“What?”
“It’s custom for a gift to be given and worn.”
“But he did give me a gift and I’m wearing it.”
Gabi smiled and placed a hand on Adalyn’s shoulder.“Lord Huntley is expecting you to wear this.If you don’t, it could be perceived as an insult.”
“All right,” she said.“I just hope I don’t lose it.”
“Let’s get this necklace on you.”
The Y-shape design nestled elegantly in the V-shape of the gown’s bodice.Oval-cut blue sapphires radiated a deep royal hue and were surrounded by diamonds that added a brilliant sparkle.It was the prettiest piece of jewelry she’d ever seen, and she loved it.
“How do I look?”she asked Gabi.
“Like a princess.”
Adalyn smiled.For a moment, she wished Marilisa was there with her and had to remember that her spirit was.Her friend would always be with her.
“Let’s get you to the ceremony,” Gabi said softly.
