“But what about all the goblin raids? Caspian’s thorns siphoning Castletree?”
“The Below claims to have no control over the goblins,” Astrid sneers. “They insist they’re wild animals. Everyone knows that’s a lie, though. As for Caspian’s thorns, the princes don’t want to declare war again while their magic is depleted by the curse.”
“Maybe this can be a diplomatic mission,” I say hopefully. Or maybe if Caspian’s guard is lowered, I can figure out what he wants with Castletree’s magic. What’s his purpose for smothering the tree?
“There’s not going to be much diplomacy transpiring in a Below party.” Marigold breezes over with gauzy fabric.
“Have you been to one before?”
“A few in my younger years.” She gives a breathy sigh. “I was part of the staff accompanying Prince Ezryn when he descended to the Below.”
“What? Why would Ez go?”
“To see Keldarion, of course.” Marigold gestures for me to step as she slides a skirt up my legs. “He was always worried about the master spending so much time there.”
My heart quickens. They’ve never given me this much information, and I’m eager to learn anything I can about Keldarion’s past. “I didn’t know Kel spent a lot of time there.”
“His father was still High Prince,” Astrid says, face pinched in concentration as she works the paint brush across my chest. “Keldarion and the Prince of Thorns were searching for a great weapon said to be lost there.”
“Oh dear.” Marigold looks at me with a displeased expression. “Now this won’t do at all.”
I look down at the beautiful skirt. Marigold cut the chiffon in thin ribbons that flow down my legs. The material is dark black near my hips, fading to a transparent gray by my ankles.
“This is lovely,” I tell her, “but a little revealing.”
She tsks and pushes the material aside to uncover my bright pink polka dot panties.
I flush. “I guess they don’t exactly match.”
“Take those off.” Marigold winks. “I have just the thing.”
I shimmy out of my underpants, and Astrid gives an annoyed grimace at the interruption of her work.
Marigold waltzes over with the daintiest little black lace undies in her hand. “I have a feeling my girl is going to get lucky tonight.”
“I don’t know about that.” A month ago, I was kicked out of both Kel and Dayton’s rooms. Ez continues his routine of ignoring me as much as he can. And Farron…
My heart stutters. If his beast hadn’t emerged, something magical could have happened between us. But now, he’ll never trust himself around me.
“You might be too oblivious, but those men look at you like a flute of faerie wine in a sea of swill.” Marigold pats my cheek then sets the black panties on the bed.
“Done!” Astrid says.
I turn to the full-length mirror. Astrid has painted the most amazing designs using swirling lines. No, not lines. Thorns crawl up my torso, giving the illusion that my chest is covered in briars. The paint has stitched into tight black fabric, holding me in. But between the lines, my skin is bare.
It pairs perfectly with the gauzy skirt, which cinches high on my waist. When I move, it exposes my legs all the way to the top of my thighs. I always thought they were too big, but damn, I look sexy.
“This is…” I shake my head, telling myself I won’t cry. “This is amazing.”
“How do you want the sleeves?” Astrid asks.
I study the design in the mirror. Right now, the bodice curves up along the top of my chest, my shoulders and arms bare. My moonstone rose necklace, fixed by Farron, hangs between my cleavage.
Gently, I touch my exposed left wrist.A fresh start.I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to express to Ezryn the gift he gave me. “This is perfect.”
They both smile, and Marigold places shoes at my feet, deep purple heels. I’ve been practicing in them the last few days, so I won’t embarrass myself down there.
“Wait, how do I take this off?” I gesture to the top.
