My breath catches. It’s beautiful. Elegant. Sophisticated. And completely unlike anything I own.
“Oh,” I say, closing the distance between us and running my fingers down it. It’s soft and silky. The material ripples under my fingers, and the straps are spaghetti thin.
“I won’t be able to wear a bra with it, will I?”
“Nope. But if you want to look like someone who belongs here, this is the dress that will do that.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Look! Stave even dropped off black sequined sneakers.”
A grin takes over my face. “I’ll wear it, but I don’t have superglue for my hair. Is that okay?”
Nancy smiles—actually smiles. Even though I’ve only known her for two days, it’s the first time I’ve seen her smile, and something about this moment feels rare, like I had to earn this.
“I think we can manage,” she says.
“Then let’s get started.”
An hour and a half later, another knock comes from my door.
“That’ll be Eryx,” Nancy announces, taking a step back from the vanity where I’ve been sitting as she does my hair. “What do you think?”
I exhale a shaky breath. Nancy didn’t just do my hair—she did my makeup as well, giving me smudgy eyeshadow and just enough blush to make my cheeks look seductively flushed.
And in my hair are black pearls that complement the dress.
“Is everything okay in there?” Eryx calls from the other side of the door.
“Yes. Sorry. I’m almost done.”
I rise and take a look at the dress. The dress is thinner than I thought, more revealing. I cross my arms over my chest, suddenly very aware that this is not a dress that allows for modesty.
There’s no time to change because guests will be arriving any moment.
“Nancy,” I whisper. “The dress—is it too…”
She waves her hand dismissively. “It’s perfect. His majesty won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
That’s what I’m afraid of.
“And neither will the guests," Nancy adds, eyes sharp. "Half of them still don't know what to make of a Castleview queen. Show them you belong here.”
I lift my chin and feel a surge of confidence. “Okay. I’m ready.”
Nancy limps to the door and opens it. “I hope you like what I did to your bride. Don’t worry, she’s in one piece.”
Eryx stands in the doorway, towering over Nancy. He looks down at her, and a ghost of a smile graces his lips.
“Thank you, Nancy. Will you be joining us?”
“Hell, no. You know I hate parties.”
“You’ll at least have some cake.”
“Cook is supposed to save some slices.”
“Good.”
