Snapping his head away, his spine went rigid. “Maybe not tonight,” he whispered.
He retreated, closing the door behind him before all rational thought and restraint failed him.
Chapter sixteen
Lucille fluffed out the train of her dress, then stood to smile at Nin through the mirror.
“You are regal,” she said reverently.
Nin took a step closer, her eyes widening. Instead of an updo, Lucille pinned half her hair while the rest cascaded in soft, loose waves around her shoulders. A strand of blush pearls encircled her neck, and a single pearl drop rested above her sternum, highlighting the soft shimmer Lucille dusted on her collarbone. The enchanted glitter glowed subtly, like a constellation of stars, upon her skin.
The gown was a faint pink—not too bright—but rich against her pale skin. Roses embroidered on cream lace decorated her neckline, sleeves, and skirt. Ribbons gathered the silk into ruched gatherings, topped with bows. Gems shaped like diamonds and swirling, embroidered leaves embellished her stomacher-front bodice. The hip pads and layers of petticoats flared out in a broad sweep of panniered skirts.
Lucille’s final touch was a tiara that sparkled under the chandelier lights.
From her periphery, nobles filled the courtyard, flaunting ornate gowns adorned with frills, ribbons, pearls, and jewels. Noblemen donned their best silk three-piece suits, but instead of wearing solid colors, they opted for delicate prints. Murmurs of conversations floated up to her open window, and she swallowed.
The ball was tonight.
A clash of emotions sowed uncertainty in her heart. Although she had gotten used to the several layers of clothing, the gown weighed as heavily as her uncertainty. Instead of the court scrutinizing her, royalty from across the world would analyze her every step. Cedric had also warned her of the dangers the night might bring. She would have to be vigilant and poised, while also continuing to fool everyone into thinking she was the true Princess Marianne.
Her mind wandered to the nightstand where she kept her brother’s letters. The prior afternoon, he wrote he was feeling better than he had in months and could eat something other than broth. Her heart swelled, knowing her sacrifice of playing princess was paying off in invaluable ways. Unlike their parents,hewould survive Frostlung.
This was all for Alain. Her success was for his sake.
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts, and Cedric entered at Lucille’s command.
His measured steps halted. Nin turned, her hands fidgeting as Cedric held her captive with the unreadable intensity of his eyes. Her heart stuttered.
“You look…” he started, his voice a soft murmur that resonated through the silent room.
Nin held her breath, counting the passing moments between them. She had never cared about what anyone thought of her appearance, but Cedric’s opinion suddenly carried the weight of all her secret hopes she tried not to name.
“… ready.”
Disappointment flashed within her, but Nin offered him a weak smile. “Ready for everything… assassins included, I suppose.”
“He will make sure you are safe,” Lucille said, assuring her.
“Yes,” Cedric said, nodding toward her bodice. “The stays are reinforced. I commissioned an Artisan to enchant them. They will protect you against any blade.”
“Are you expecting a stabbing in public?” she asked, chuckling nervously. The thought of any knife inspired nerves to flood her insides. “Those can be messy.”
“It’s a precaution,” he said. “I doubt they would do something so bold, but we’ll keep a vigilant eye out. Guards are stationed to confiscate weapons at the entrance.”
Nin bit her lip, glancing between Cedric and Lucille. “I hope that will be enough. But I’ll be able to handle myself otherwise.”
“You won’t be alone,” Lucille reassured her, placing a hand on her arm.
“Don’t try to act like a hero,” Cedric added gruffly. “If you sense any danger at all, even the slightest whisper, all you need to do is touch your necklace. It has also been enchanted to alert me.” He raised his pocket watch. “To this. I’ll bethere in an instant.”
The precautions should have put her at ease, but a sense of foreboding prickled under her skin.
They announced Nin at the top of the stairs, and a sea of faces turned toward her as one. She delicately floated down the steps, her heart hammering disjointedly against her ribcage. At the bottom of the stairs, Rodrigue waited, his grin brimming with warmth for the woman he believed was his fiancée. Nin swallowed hard as she took his arm.
The royals followed in consecutive order. The crown prince descended with confident steps, his eyes fixed on the crowd. Nin hadn’t seen him since the formal dinner weeks before at her first appearance. He had been called away to various duties, meetings, and hunts, having no interest in courtly intrigue or his own sister, it seemed.
The king and queen entered last, meeting them at the bottom of the staircase. A wave of perfumed roses and music filled the hall. Enchanted candles burned in candelabras without melting, their flames warm without scorching skin. Long mirrors and tall windows lined the ballroom, their surfaces reflecting the sunset’s golden rays like a blessing upon the royal family.
