After she helped me dress, she fashioned my hair into an elaborate updo, leaving a few soft waves to frame my face. She completed the look with a filigree necklace that looked like an unblinking blue eye, caught in a web of gold.
I was taken-aback when I looked into the mirror. Runa clearly had a talent for these things, and she’d been right about the turquoise—it brought out my eyes, making them appear more green than gray. The fitted silhouette of the gown flattered my body, but it was a shame I could barely breathe. The entire concept of a bodice was barbaric and I cursed whoever had tricked mortal females into believing it was fashion.
A knock on the door transformed the butterflies in my stomach into angry wasps.
It was time to go.
I was greeted by a servant who had come to escort me to dinner. It was a blessing because, even after my tour, there was no way I could navigate the castle alone.
Willing my shoulders to relax and my hands to stop shaking, I stepped into the hallway with my head held high. For the final time, I ran through the plan in my head.
Tonight, I would have to play a role. Around these people, I would be dazzling, but not draw too much attention. I would be personable, but maintain an air of mystery to intrigue and fascinate. I would be humble, but comfortable with partaking in lavish social events.
I banished the tension from my body with a deep breath and a slow roll of my shoulders. “Could we go via the entrance hall?” I asked the waiting servant.
He looked surprised, but he didn’t protest. Wordlessly, he led us through the labyrinth of vaguely-familiar halls, corridors and staircases.
“Here you are, Miss,” he declared as we arrived at the bustling entrance hall.
Almost instantly, I sensed a commotion out of the corner of my eye. I turned my head to investigate and was nearly bowled over by a figure bounding towards me.
“Ulf!” The glee in my voice was genuine, despite the factthat he pawed at my beautiful new gown.
“It seems as though you have already been acquainted?” an amused voice said. Prince Tarben was flanked by the remaining royal dogs, who appeared equally as excited to see me. My gamble had paid off.
“We are old friends, Your Highness,” I said, scratching each dog behind its long ears and making no move to bow to the prince. It was a risk not to fawn over him, but my instincts told me he was not the type to demand social graces.
“You seem to have made a lasting impression.” He chuckled as one of the dogs whined, seeking my attention.
“The feeling is mutual.” I smiled, enjoying the warm feel of their fur. I straightened and turned to face the prince.
My breath hitched at the sight of him. Dressed in midnight-blue finery, he looked devastating. He was certainly more alluring than I had anticipated.
“They wasted no time in greeting you. I thought it might be their way of facilitating an introduction to a beautiful woman.”
I tilted my head ever-so-slightly. “Doesn’t Your Highness have somewhere to be?”
His lips twitched. “I could ask the same of you, Miss Alara,” he countered.
“You’re right, I had better get to my next engagement. I would hate to be late,” I said pointedly as I searched for the servant who had accompanied me to the entrance hall. He had remained in the exact same position, seemingly unable to move a muscle until he was summoned. “If you’ll excuse me, Your Highness—”
“Why don’t I escort you? Seeing as we have the same engagement we would both hate to be late for?” His tone was casual, but his eyes held a question, as if he thought I might say no. A laughable notion.
“An escort from the prince would be the highest of honors,”I said, a playful note in my voice.
His answering grin hinted at mischief and secret laughter. “Not as high as escorting theguest of honor.”
A smile tugged at my lips. “A position I’m not sure I have earned, but I would be happy for the escort all the same.”
He instructed the dormant servant to take the dogs back to the kennels, then offered me the crook of his arm. I accepted, appreciating his scent—pine needles and leather.
“Have you been enjoying your time at the castle, Miss Alara?”
“Just Alara, Your Highness. Yes, I’ve had a pleasant time exploring the castle. I was especially impressed by the hedge maze.”
“Very well,Alara.” I liked the way my name sounded on his lips. “But only if you call me Tarben.”
“Very well,Tarben.” I did my best to imitate the way he’d emphasized my name.
