We finished eating.
“Your sister is wonderful,”I said.
“She’s a menace.” Affection came through in Raoul’s voice. “But yes, she’s wonderful. She’s been managing most of the Summit preparations because I’ve been…” He trailed off.
“Busy being a king?”
“Something like that.” He rose and began placing our breakfast dishes on the tray. “I apologize for not mentioning the Summit earlier. There’s been so much to discuss, and I?—”
“Got distracted by me arriving two hours late and then bathing with you?” I said.
His hands stilled on a plate. “Yes, er, that.”
Before I could analyze his tone, Demi burst back into the room, her arms full of colorful fabric.
“I brought options.” She dumped the gowns on the sofa, startling Fletcher awake. “This green one will look great with your eyes. The blue is more formal. The burgundy is my personal favorite, but it’s a bit daring in the neckline. And this cream one is comfortable if you just want easy.”
I stared at the pile of beautiful gowns, each one clearly expensive and expertly tailored. “Demi, these are lovely. I can’t?—”
“You absolutely can. Now go change before Raoul combusts from watching you walk around in only his tunic.” She shooed me toward the bedroom. “We’ll meet this afternoon, yes? Say, two o’clock in the council chamber?”
“Two o’clock.” I nodded, gathering the gowns in my arms. “Thank you. Truly.”
“You’re welcome.” She grinned. “And Adele? Welcome to the family. I think you’re exactly what this stuffy old palace needs.”
She left before I could respond, the door closing behind her with a soft click.
I carried the gowns into the bedroom and laid them across the enormous bed. They were all beautiful, but Demi was definitely more slender than I was. I selected the cream one she’d said was comfortable and pulled off Raoul’s tunic.
The gown slid over my head easily enough, but getting it fastened was another matter. I contorted myself trying to reach the buttons that ran down the back, managing about half of them before giving up. At least it was on, even if it wasn’t completely secured.
I turned to examine myself in the mirror.
“Oh, my.” The dress had been made for someone with Demi’s willowy build. On me, it clung to every curve like a second skin. The neckline, which had probably looked elegant and modest on Demi, was now decidedly low on my fuller chest. My breasts were thrust up and practically spilling over the edge of the fabric.
My grandmother would be able to fix it with a flick of her finger, but I knew better than to try to make any magical alterations. The last time I’d tried, the garment ended up full of holes. My grandmother made me promise not to try again, to leave it to her or the seamstress witches.
The waist was tight enough that I could barely breathe, and the skirt, which should’ve flowed gracefully, hugged my hips in a way that left nothing to the imagination.
I looked like I was trying to seduce someone, which was absolutely not my intention.
But it was better than walking around in a tunic with no undergarments, so I’d make do. I’d never particularly cared what I looked like anyway. My appearance was secondary to my work.
Though I had to admit, as I studied my reflection in the mirror, the dress did make my figure look rather…pronounced.
I shook off the thought and left the bedroom.
Raoul must have clothing in the bathing area, because he’d finished dressing while I was gone, and he now wore a dark brown tunic that made his amber eyes appear molten gold. Silver threading ran along the collar and cuffs in intricate patterns, and it fit perfectly across his broad shoulders, tapering to a trim waist. His auburn hair was still slightly damp from our bath, and he’d secured it back from his face with a leather tie.
He looked like every maiden’s fantasy of a dragon king: powerful, elegant, and devastatingly handsome.
He turned as I emerged from the bedroom, and whatever he’d been about to say died on his lips. His gaze traveled down my body in a way that made my skin heat. His throat worked as he swallowed once, twice, three times. His hands tightened at his sides, and the air around us grew warmer.
“My morning just got significantly hotter,” he said, his voice rough.
I cooled the air with my weather magic, bringing the temperature back to normal. “Is that better?”
He made a strangled sound that might have been laughter. “That’s not what I meant.”
