I relaxed as she loosened the ribbons along the back of my dress. “Have you worked for the royal family long?”
“The past few years. I’ve aided the Princess since she arrived at the palace.”
“What could you tell me about Prince Soren?” I asked.
“I don’t think I am the person to say much of anything to you, Your Highness.” She lowered the gown to the floor, sweeping it aside as I stepped out of it.
“Surely you know him better than I do.” My hand slipped from the sofa as I stepped into the new gown.
“Is that too tight?” She asked as she laced the gown.
I shook my head. “I only wish to know what to talk to him about.”
“The prince has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. I’m sure he will find much to talk about with you.” The moment she said it the feeling struck me again.
“Are you all right, Your Highness?”
I nodded—it pulsated.
I was not all right.
The warmth released its hold on me as she fixed the topof the dress. A curved neckline traced just above my chest. There were no sleeves.
“The women don’t wear sleeves here?” Maybe there was a jacket.
“Not always. Is it a problem, Your Highness?”
It felt freeing not to be constricted everywhere. “No, maybe I prefer it.”
I turned toward the mirror to watch her twist my hair up on my head.
“Prince Soren wanted you to wear this.” She reached into her apron and removed a golden necklace from a silver silk pouch. “They’re moonlit quartz, mined alongside the ore.”
She secured it around my neck. My fingers slid over the tiny white stones that glimmered blue in the last of the sun’s light.
“Lord Fyn will escort you when you are ready,” she said.
“I’m ready.” The feeling hit me even harder, stealing my breath. I was grateful she didn’t notice as I gripped the door to step out into the hall.
“Send for me if you need anything else, Your Highness.” Eva curtsied quickly turning from me.
Fyn stood at the edge of the hall with his back to the wall. He tugged the fabric of his formal emerald tunic.
I waited for him to look up at me. “You’re to escort me?”
“Yes, your Highness.” He bowed deeply.
The edge of the neckline bent awkwardly inward. My nails grazed my skin as Ipulled it back.
“You look…” Fyn fell quiet as his gaze held mine. “Lovely.”
“Lovely?” Fyn had never told me I looked lovely.
“You are well-dressed for the occasion.” His words cracked.
“Iamdressed.” I waited for his laughter as I tugged at the necklace. “It is all exquisite.”
“We shouldn’t leave them waiting for you,” Fyn said.
