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Eliza laughed again, and I paused, processing far too late that she’d been teasing me. A frustrated blush warmed my ears. “Vi was considered beautiful, too, and it said nothing of her character. Admittedly, I’m waiting for something to be wrong with Cali.”

Eliza’s smile vanished. “Don’t say that. I know the last ten years have been brutal, but don’t give up hope now. You’ve made a wise decision. It can only get better from here.”

“God willing,” I mumbled.

“Anyway, try not to let your jaw drag on the floor tonight when you see her,” she said, beaming. “I’ve selected a stunning lilac number that is sure to bring all the men to their knees.”

“Don’t put her in lilac,” I said, quickly.

Eliza had been turning to leave, but at my words she quickly swung back, annoyed. “Whyever not?”

Because the king likes it. But voicing that aloud meant I would have to explain why it was a bad thing, why they shouldn’t be dressing her in any way that would please the king. And even though I trusted Eliza, it felt too risky to explain now. In the cover of night, down the labyrinth halls where no one was allowed to go, maybe. But not here.

Besides, the other men at court would like it just as much, and I had enough to deal with without chasing off a bunch of lecherous, entitled nobles.

“It’s too bright,” I said. Do better than that, Beric. “Something darker would be more appropriate.”

“She looks good in it.” She planted a hand on her hip, impatient. “I’m not leaving here until you tell me the real reason.”

I sighed, my frustration growing, my ideas for lies dwindling. Eliza was the only one in this place who was difficult to lie to. “Just put her in navy, will you?”

Eliza scoffed. “No one worships a girl in navy.”

“She’s not a girl. She’s the king’s knight.”

“She’s a girl,” she countered. “A beautiful girl, who should get to wear a beautiful dress. It’s her first time at court, after all.”

“Have I ever made a selfish decision, Elle?” At my words her expression softened, though her curiosity also increased. “Please, for my sake, put her in navy.”

Eliza sighed, less annoyed but still skeptical. “You’re going to tell me why sooner or later, you know that, right?” She shook her head, giving me the slightest grin. “Fine. Bring the copper ones tonight, instead. I will grant you your boring navy dress, and make her look like a goddess, regardless.”

CHAPTER9CALLIOPE

Despite my disappointment that Eliza had changed her mind about the lilac dress, Ann still looked as if she wanted to scream in jealousy when she saw me. She’d found a new dress as well, but not one so fine as mine. Navy was perhaps a mature color for my first party, especially with the high neckline. But still, there was something regal about it, despite its lack of adornments. And it fit me so well, I felt elegant and grown up. Beautiful.

And Faline had most definitely lived up to her word when it came to my hair—two braids framing my face, curled like beautiful tendrils at the ends. The rest of my hair was in dozens of braids and secured into a bun away from the back of my neck. Small copper butterflies were clipped into my hair, completing the fairy-tale look.

I was more than ready for my first appearance at court.

I whistled while we walked—not because it annoyed Ann, though that was an entertaining side effect of my fun. No, the tune calmed my nerves. I had never been at court in my life, and now I was about to walk in there, with two maids and a guard beside me, and be introduced as Lady Calliope, Knight of the God King. Well, perhaps I could get them to say Cali, instead. Either way, it would be my name on their lips, which felt both outrageous and exciting at once.

But Eliza steered me through a door into a small room—an office from the looks of it—forcing Ann to remain outside. I smiled, seeing Kat sitting on a luxurious couch. She wore the same dress I’d seen her in earlier. Perhaps I’d only changed for court because I’d needed a bath.

“Oh, Cali,” Kat said in adoration, pressing a hand to her chest. “How lovely you look.”

“Thank you, Kat,” I said, with a curtsy, resisting the urge to swing my skirt this way and that to show it off.

“Come, join me.”

She held out her hand, and I took it as I sat on the couch.

“How was your afternoon?” she asked. “Restful, I hope.”

“Very,” I replied. “Everyone is so kind here. And I feel positively spoiled having these two gorgeous women doing things for me. Honestly, it’s an adjustment.”

“You will get used to luxuries quickly. As you should. You’ve earned them, after all.”

I squeezed her hand between mine, feeling so grateful I didn’t think I could express it with words.