Page 175 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

I turned back, staring at the dress again as he strode toward the door. “You know I can’t wear panties with this, right?” I called out, grinning mischievously over my shoulder.

He paused at the door. His expression was calm and innocent, as if my words hadn’t sent desire blazing through him. “Oops.”

“I HAVE NEVER HAD ANYONE DO MY HAIR BEFORE.” MISKA FIDGETED as she stared at herself in the mirror. She wore a champagne-colored dress, the hem dancing around her feet with her every movement. The fabric was light and smooth but shimmered softly at the smallest touch of light.

“Really?” I asked, twisting another strand and pinning up the side.

“Yeah, I always did it myself. Everyone avoided me in Jade City.”

“Right.”

“You’re good at it.” She grinned at me.

I smiled at her as I secured the last piece of her bun. “I used to do my sister’s, and she did mine. She actually taught me how to braid my hair.”

Miska’s head turned to mine. “What’s that?”

“I’ll show you one day.” I handed her a small mirror and turned her until her back was to the big one so she could see her hair. “What do you think?”

“Wow,” she whispered, reaching up and lightly touching it. “I’m pretty.”

“The prettiest.” I smiled and stepped back. “Okay, I need to get dressed now.”

Miska nodded and hopped off the stool before striding into the bedroom. I stared at the gown. It all seemed unreal, as if I should pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I stripped off my robe and let it fall to the ground, carefully pulling the dress from the hanger.

The lace fabric was so soft. I was afraid it would rip if I moved too quickly. I unbuttoned the lower back before stepping into it. Slowly, I wiggled it over my hips and slid the straps over my shoulders. I reached behind me and buttoned up the low back before adjusting my breasts in the cups. The bodice had enough structure that I wouldn’t spill out of it if I bent over.

I turned toward the mirror and stared. My lips curved in a soft smile as I ran my hand across the fabric over my abdomen. Beneath the white lace, a silky panel cut to mimic my hourglass shape was sewn into the dress from breast to mid-thigh. Another piece lined the back, molding lovingly to my ass. Together, they hid everything he didn’t wish to share with the world. Along my sides, nothing but the sheer lace traced the curve of my breasts to the tuck of my waist and over the flare of my hips. It spilled to the floor and beyond in a breathtaking train. My back was bare, the edge of the dress starting just below the small of my back. I stared, marveling at my reflection.

“All done,” I called out.

I heard the shuffle of small feet draw close.

“Your bedroom is so huge you could have fifty husbands in here,” Miska said as she entered the dressing room and stopped. I saw her eyes widen in the mirror. “Wow.”

I smiled. “You like?”

“You look like a goddess.” Miska gaped. “No, you are way prettier.”

I snickered, continuing to stare at myself in the mirror. “I knew there was a reason I kept you around.”

“Wait, really?” she asked, something unsure darkening her eyes.

“No,” I grinned at her, “that was a joke.”

“Oh.” Her coy smile brightened her face. She stepped closer, looking at the long train. “This castle is fit for a god and goddess. I wonder who lived here before.”

I fiddled with my hair, trying and failing to decide what to do with it. I had used most of my pins on Miska’s. Gathering the silky strands into various styles, I finally decided on a half-up, half-down, pinning it back just enough to keep it out of my face.

“Samkiel said it was one of many abandoned places during Nismera’s conquest. This entire planet was just left,” I said.

She smiled at me. “Well, I heard any place can be home if you make it. Maybe this can be that. A new start to a new era.”

My eyes fell on her, a familiar sense washing over me. “A new era indeed.”

I grabbed the veil off the edge of the vanity. “Now come on, we need my shoes.”

Miska practically skipped out, and I gathered up the longest part of my dress before following her into the bedroom. Miska was right. It was massive. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I slipped on the shoes and buckled the straps around my ankles before standing.

---