We both laughed. I shook my head jokingly.
“I’ll be right here to put you back together,” I reassured her. Then her smile faded, and her eyes welled with tears.
“But… you’re leaving soon. Back to your realm,” she whimpered.
Her words hit me like stones. How did I not connect those dots? Did I forget? Did I want to stay?
I didn’t want to leave her.
“Come with me tonight—as my guest—to the SkyGuard dinner, feast-thing,” I suggested. “We can pick gowns from my wardrobe and do each other’s makeup.”
Her eyes lit up, but she didn’t respond. “I’m sure Cercies will be there,” I taunted. Her smile widened.
“Do you think Lord Titus will be upset? Royalty doesn’t dine with the staff,” she said hesitantly.
“When isn’t Titus upset?” I replied. “Don’t worry about him.
You just worry about me doing your make-up.”
She grimaced comically, but it was still polite. Then embraced me in a warm hug. We walked to my room discussing our hair, makeup, jewelry, and shoes.
I stopped at the threshold, overcome with bewilderment.
In the short amount of time I’d been away, my room was completely put back together restored to its original state. It was as though the altercation had never occurred.
Calpurnia recognized my expression.
“I love that you are so easily impressed by the simplest things,” she said.
I was impressed.
In under two hours, both of us were dressed and dolled up.
Calpurnia selected a sequin yellow fitted gown with a plunging neckline that looked absolutely stunning on her. It complemented her deep brown hair and golden-tan skin. She left her hair down in soft curls and wore just a touch more makeup than normal. She looked beautiful—you would never be able to tell she was just a servant. She radiated grace and elegance befitting a queen.
I opted for my usual simple black style. The gown was satin and fitted, hugging every curve. It was a sexy dress, but it had an element of elegance in the way the strap draped one shoulder.
I left my hair down as well—it was the fastest option.
Calpurnia curled it into the most beautiful beachy waves.
Once again, the mirror presented an unfamiliar image. I failed to recognize my own reflection.
There was no evidence of my previous cancer diagnosis. All physical signs had completely disappeared.
Just like my bedroom, once broken and in disarray, magic could mend anything.
Even me, apparently.
CHAPTER 21
The Feast
DELILAH
The setting sun’s glow bathed the mountains in a blanket of gilded radiance. The castle’s expansive balcony was constructed entirely of obsidian stone, stretching nearly the width of the fortress. Numerous torches, lanterns, candles, and small bonfires surrounded by lavish sitting furniture—illuminated the outdoor living space with a romantic flare.
At the center of it all, a large crescent-shaped table draped in crimson silk and adorned with hundreds of candles faced the cliff’s edge. Chairs were thoughtfully positioned on one side of the table, ensuring every guest had an unobstructed view of the SkyGuard demonstration. In an open circular area, a string quartet and a small dance floor became a focal point, outlined in hundreds more candles. Tiny individual flames pierced the darkening atmosphere like thousands of fireflies. At the arc of the crescent table, Titus sat, centered by his guests.
