Page 66 of Heir of the Beast

Damnit.

“You might try and tell Apollo that you think Irena is having an affair,” Mort suggests.

“But how would I know that? I don’t know who with. I can’t just say because she looks like a whore.” I give Mort a pointed look.

Mort shrugs and stands beside me. “We can watch her and see who she is sweet on. I have been too focused on Laura.”

I nod. Tonight, they’re having a ball in my honor. The King of Galleon is overjoyed and wants to celebrate.

I don’t blame him, for it’s not every day your dead daughter comes back from the grave. A princess, no less.

I will admit that it’s going to be awkward seeing Apollo with Laura. And seeing Laura and Irena will be an icy reunion, but something I might enjoy.

I declined to see them earlier, saying I was too full of emotion and needed to take baby steps.

I can’t decline tonight.

Tonight, I have to be Princess Ursula of Galleon.

I spend the entire day visiting with the House of Galleon’s royal family, getting reacquainted with my lost family members. It’s pleasant; everyone stares at me like I am a ghost.

And really, how I got here is weirder than being a ghost. What they don’t know will not hurt them. I think.

“No yellow gown, please. I think that color is bad luck,” I say with a frown, picturing myself running through the forest with it.

Mort is typing as I stand, ready to spin like Cinderella.

“Pierce says he thinks you will love this dress. It’s fit for a princess. And he also adds that the yellow dress saved your ass. It made Apollo go bonkers, so he wants you to apologize,” Mort says, and looks up at me.

“He can hear me?”

“When I’m logged on, yes.”

I bit my lip. “Sorry, Pierce!” I think for a second. “Apollo did seem to love it.” Visions of us in that library light up my brain like a bonfire.

My cheeks heat—just the thought of Apollo gives me hot flashes. His golden skin and sinful lips…But his eyes are a drug, and once they have you in their possession, you’re done for.

“You,” she types more, “can spin now.”

I turn and gasp, still not used to the tingling sensation. My scalp feels hot, and my body hums. After the flash of white light, I’m still breathing hard. That was fast.

I glance down and suck in a breath.

Mort says, “That might make Apollo feel a little uncomfortable if you know what I mean.”

I give her a look then walk over to the full-body mirror. Oh, baby. Charming did me a solid yet again.

I am in a shimmering pearl-colored gown, the shade almost the same as my skin. If you saw me from a distance, you might think I was topless, save for the pearlized splendor.

It reminds me of a glistening opal.

It’s beyond stunning.

My breasts look remarkable in the snug-fitting corset and the long sleeves are transparent, shimmering fabric. I look like a goddess—or an angel, perhaps.

The gown flows out at the waist like a waterfall of airy sparkles. It almost has me entranced with its beauty. Every move I make, I glitter like a rare diamond.

In this dress I feel like flowers will bloom where I walk. It’s that enchanting.

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