My fingers trembled as I untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. A gown unlike any I’d ever seen lay under layers of silk cloth.
I lifted it carefully, gasping as it unfurled. It had been crafted in midnight blue, the color of Kieran’s eyes when he looked at me in our most intimate moments. Silver embroidery swirled across the bodice and down the skirt in patterns that mimicked both vampire sigils and the flowing symbols of joy magic. When the light caught it right, the threads seemed to move, as if they were alive.
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered.
“It’s traditional.” Cordelia’s voice came unexpectedly soft. “The joining of two magical lineages in fabric and form. I assume he had it made specially for tonight.”
Beneath the gown lay a delicate silver circlet set with moonstones that gleamed with inner light. Not a crown, but a symbol of status. A statement.
“He’s claiming you before the court,” Cordelia said. “Making it clear where you stand.”
My throat tightened. Even now, when my magic was failing, when I might embarrass him in front of his entire court, Kieran was declaring his choice.
With Cordelia’s help, I dressed. The gown fit perfectly, the fabric cool and fluid as it flowed across my skin. As I smoothed my hands down the skirt, golden light followed my touch, illuminating the silver embroidery from within.
“Well now, isn’t that amazing,” Cordelia cried out, clapping her hands. “The gown is enchanted to respond to your magic.”
I turned to face the mirror, watching the light dance along the patterns. It wasn’t as bright as my usual magic, but it was definitely my signature glow.
“How?” I asked, bewildered. “Everything else I’ve tried to enchant has failed.”
Cordelia adjusted the silver circlet on my head. “Perhaps because this already carries his magic. You’re not fighting alone. As I said, you never have been.”
The thought was both comforting and concerning. I wanted to stand on my own strength, but there was something undeniably powerful about the way our magic blended.
Yet as I studied my reflection, confidence began to build inside me. The woman in the mirror didn’t lookuncertain or out of place. She looked regal. Determined. Every bit a queen.
“There she is,” Cordelia said with satisfaction, hovering behind me. “The joy witch who conquered a vampire king’s heart.” Flying backward, toward the ceiling, she paused to look me over. “Are you ready, my dear? Your king awaits.”
I took a deep breath, straightening my shoulders, and nodded.
A knock rang out on the door, and Kieran stepped inside wearing a midnight blue jacket that matched my gown, silver embroidery at the cuffs and collar, plus blue pants, and polished boots. A silver circlet similar to mine rested on his dark hair.
He stopped mid-stride when he saw me, his eyes widening, his lips parting on a silent exhale.
Neither of us spoke. The air between us vibrated with unspoken emotion.
“Well,” Cordelia said with a grin. “I believe my work here is done.” She slipped past Kieran with a knowing smile. “Don’t let him muss your hair before the dance.”
The door closed behind her with a soft click.
Kieran crossed to me, his movements fluid and predatory. “You look…”
“Not bad for a joy witch, right?”
“Breathtaking.” He reached out, his fingers hovering over the fabric at my waist. “I’d hoped the gown would suit you, but this…”
I glanced down, realizing the joy light had brightened as he’d come near. The embroidery now glowed steadily, the patterns shifting.
“It’s responding to us,” I said. “To our magic.”
His hand finally made contact, settling warmly on my waist. “Does that surprise you?”
“Nothing about us should surprise me anymore, yet somehow you always manage it.” I smiled up at him. “Thank you for the gown and the circlet.”
“They’re yours by right. Tonight, there will be no question about your place here.”
The intensity in his eyes made my breath catch. “I’ve been having trouble with my magic. The lanterns?—”
