Before I can turn away, Camellia stomps up to my sisters, her face still red from our conversation. She hisses something to Blossom, who’s dressed exactly like the rest of the girls. Although her gown is a little more ornate than the others, and somehow her puffed sleeves are even larger than Camellia’s.
Can’t say I’m surprised. Blossom has a very big head, after all.
I duck when she turns to search the crowd. Judging by her glare, I know she’s looking for me, but I’m not in the mood to wish her a happy birthday. Instead, I snatch a glass of something fizzy from a servant’s tray, down it, and head off in search of a buffet table.
Chocolate will make me feel better.
Or more wine…
Anything sweet enough to?—
“Why aren’t you wearing your gown?”
I almost groan. Gritting my teeth, I turn to see Blossom glaring at me. Her arms are folded across her chest, her tightly curled black hair piled high above her made-up face.
“Beloved sister,” I coo. “I was just coming to wish you a happy birthday.”
“On your way to the buffet table? The other side of the ballroom from where you saw me? I watched you run away.” She shakes her head, sighing. “It doesn’t matter… What matters is your gown. Why aren’t you wearing the gold gown I had made for you?”
“You don’t like my dress?” I place my hand against my chest in mock offence. “But I picked it out specially for your birthday!”
“Be quiet.” She pinches the bridge of her nose.
My mouth is desperate to keep teasing, but I stop myself.
Blossom’s scowl is trembling slightly, like she’s worried about something.
“All you had to do was put it on, Dahlia. I had it delivered straight to your bedchamber. Would it be so hard for you to just?—”
“What is it?” I cut her off. “Is something else happening tonight? Why do you look so afraid?” I glance around. The party seems like a normal birthday ball. Pink ribbons and bows decorate the tall windows, and a string quartet plays music by the dais. Even Father seems to be in a good mood. He grins while Heather waltzes with a tall nobleman and nods in approval as Eden bows to two well-dressed princes.
Wait. Princes?
“Why is Father letting us dance with princes?” My lips part. We’re not even supposed to talk to nobles, let alone suitors. Not unless Father introduces them to us first. And while I’ve never cared about the rules, my sisters do.
“What’s happening? What are you hiding?” I urge.
Blossom just shakes her head. “Nothing is happening.” She fixes her tiara with shaking hands. “But you need to return to your bedchamber and change before I call the guards to have you escorted out. There’s a reason you need to be wearing that gown tonight.”
My insides twist at her tone. I glance again at Eden as she mingles with the two princes. I’ve never seen them before, and surely Father would’ve mentioned if princes were visiting. Then I notice Gilia and Heather giggling at something another unfamiliar man said. My gaze drifts from him to see several other men all crowded around them, each one just as finely dressed as Father.
Horror rises in my throat as my gaze jumps from sister to sister. Each one is now surrounded by at least one suitor – or several – watching them or trying to get their attention.
Even Liliana, our youngest sister at fifteen, is talking to a shy-looking teenage boy. He’s about her age, but with his embroidered overcoat and silver circlet, he’s clearly some kind of foreign prince.
Anger burns inside me as she leans closer to take his arm.
“This isn’t a birthday party, is it?” My glare hardens on Blossom. “There are suitors here, and Father’s letting them sample us like we’re some sort of princess buffet.” The words taste foul on my tongue, but I know it’s true. “Was this your idea?Tell meI’m misunderstanding.”
It would explain her nerves. Blossom might be a bit stuck-up, but she’d never organise something like this.
“We’re princesses, Dahlia,” she sighs. “Marriage is a part of our lives whether you like it or not.”
“Are you serious?”
“Not all princes are bad. A few of the young men I’ve spoken to tonight have been quite lovely. Once you’ve changed into your gown, I’ll introduce you to a few.”
“I can’t believe you?—”
