I’m still trying to process something I’ve never considered before, that Damon has pierced other women, that he hashistorywith other women, when Jade’s attention shifts to me. Her gaze sweeps over my face, my collar, the faint lines of the pentagram scar visible at my chest. Something clicks.
“You must be her,” she says.
I blink. “Her?”
Jade’s eyes sweep over my body. “Adeline said you were pretty.” Her eyes soften just a touch. “She played it down. You’re gorgeous, Baroness.”
Heat creeps into my cheeks. “You made my wedding dress.”
Her smile turns proud. “It’s not every day I get to make a bridal gown for a Black Wedding.”
“It was perfect,” I tell her. “Everything about it.”
“She was a fucking knockout,” Damon says, his hand settling casually at the top of my ass, possessive and warm. I shoot him a look, still not over what I’ve just learned.
“That’s what I love to hear.” Jade looks between us, clearly entertained. “So what brings you in today?”
“I’m looking for a dress,” I say. “For the Princess’ ascension.”
“A royal affair?” Jade grins. “My favorite.”
“You think you have something for me?”
“Oh yeah. Come on. Let’s play.” She claps her hands once, already moving. “How are you planning to style your hair?” I lift my hand without thinking, fingertips brushing the familiar weight of my braids.
“I’d love to wear it down,” I say. The words feel indulgent, like a small confession.
Jade nods right away. “I like it.”
“I just don’t know if I have time for all that,” I add. “Unbraiding, styling… everything.”
She huffs a soft laugh. “You do if you know the right people. And you’re in luck—I do.” Her gaze travels over me, careful, considering. “A braid-out would be perfect. Or a twist-out, depending on the texture you want. Soft. Full. Still very you.”
I imagine it, my hair loose, but not flat, shaped by what it’s already been through. Movement without polish. Familiar, but exposed.
“And you know someone that can do it today?” I ask.
“You realize who you are, don’t you?” she asks, eyeing me. “You’re the motherfucking Baroness. The King’s wife. Any shop will drop everything to get their hands on you.”
“You really think so?”
“Babe, I know so.”
The compliment lands harder than she means it to.
I swallow, then nod. “Okay. Please. Let’s do that.”
She whips out her phone and sends a text, then waves me to the other side of the shop. I follow her toward the back while Damon drops into one of the upholstered chairs near the mirrors. He stretches his legs out, arms folding loosely as he watches. Jade moves with easy confidence, pulling dresses from racks like she already knows how this is going to end. She sizes me up with a glance, fingers deft as she adjusts straps, drapes fabric, swaps hangers.
“Let’s start with this one.”
The curtain slides shut behind me with a soft whisper. I peel off my clothes and lift the dress over my head, the fabric light and airy. Jade taps twice on the partition.
“Need some help?”
“With the back, please.”
She steps in just long enough to zip me up, fingers brisk, then shoos me toward the mirror. The dress is a sage green chiffon with a soft waist and a skirt that floats instead of clings. It makes me feel… sweet. Delicate. Like something meant to be admired from a distance.
