Bennett
I never knew three words could addle me so much.
“Incredible. Men usually have horrendous taste in jewelry,” Giselle said after the maid who delivered it scampered off. “And it matches the dress I made for you for tonight! This is perfect!”
Misty sniffed the jewels.Completely inedible. How disappointing.
Giselle helped me into the gown she had made for the viewing ofOde to the Moon—an exquisite emerald number with a slight train. The fabric was rich and mesmerizing, hugging my waist and exposing a daring expanse of skin. I hadn’t worn anything quite so ravishing in ages, but I felt comfortable, as I did in all of Giselle’s creations.
The seamstress sat me down before the vanity and fastened the necklace around my neck.
I put the earrings on hesitantly, touching the cool gems at my throat. “Isn’t this a little much?”
High society always made it a point to adorn themselves extravagantly for opera nights. I’ve donned my fair share of outrageous pieces, but somehow dripping in the crown prince’s jewels felt even more outrageous.
First he kissed me. Now he was sending lavish gifts. Those actions spoke more than mere concern for my person. I was almost afraid to acknowledge what was happening.
Giselle took my shoulders. “Don’t be silly. You look perfect except...” She squinted at our reflection and snorted at the smudge of rouge on my chin.
I rubbed it away, embarrassed. The color seemed to end up everywhere no matter how careful I was.
“Not to worry, I have a solution,” Giselle said, taking the powder puff from my vanity. She lightly tapped it over my mouth. “There. That ought to keep it in place.”
I ran my finger over my bottom lip. “Really?”
She waggled her brows. “Maybe Bennett can help you find out.”
“Giselle!” I stood up. A fierce blush burned my cheeks.
She pushed me back down. “Hold on. Just one more thing.” She took two pearl combs from the drawers and began to twist my hair up.
I covered the back of my neck on instinct. “Wait, I—”
“Don’t be shy now. You have a lovely neck.”
I surveyed the scar that marred my throat. The wound had closed, but the scab had yet to fade. The gold of my witch traits speckled the back of my neck. I had never shown it to anyone willingly. The combination was surely a garish sight.
“I’m going to take this out once you leave,” I said bluntly.
“Ah, then I won’t leave. I’ll escort you to the auditorium myself. Feel free to disassemble your coiffure when it’s dark, but not before your fiancé sees you.”
My ears heated. “Has anyone told you how domineering you are?”
Giselle tugged on a curl. “Yes. Your brother.”
As if he had been summoned, Maddox burst through the door. “I’m still employed!” he crowed, practically skipping inside. “And my wages havedoubled.”
I stood, ignoring Giselle’s protestations. “What?”
“Thank you, Cissa.” Maddox pulled me into a bone-crushing hug and danced out the room. “You’re the best sister ever!”
***
THE AUDITORIUM WASabuzz with chatter when I arrived. Lady Ruan arranged for us to be on the third level, directly across the stage and equally as visible to the audience. It was no surprise that the entrance to our box was crowded with guests.
Ulysses stood in the midst of them, politely denying entry. “The crown prince would like some privacy, gentlemen. Er, madam, please put down that spyglass.”
Giselle managed to slip me and Misty past the thickening crowd.
