Page 76 of Born of Blood and Ash

“What’s wrong with this?” I glanced down at my vest andblack leggings. “Ash has no problem with it.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t,” Rhain replied dryly, earning aconfused head tilt from Reaver. “But it’s not appropriate.”

Aios reappeared, holding a darkgray tunic with silver embroidering that matched the design on the thronedoors. Immediately drawn to it, I rose and went to her, passing the pillareddais.

Rhain sighed for what had to be the hundredth time. “That’sa tunic.”

“Never would’ve guessed that,” I murmured as I took thelightweight garment from Aios.

“You should wear a gown,” Rhain insisted.

My gaze cut to him as a wave of prickly heat swept over theback of my neck. I knew this was in no way the same as my time in Dalos, and none of the gowns Aioshad brought out were even remotely transparent, but my skin still felt itchyand too tight. “A gown is not me,” I said as Reaver launched himself off thecouch and came to my side. “This,”—I thrust the tunic out—“is me.”

“Is that you as a Queen?” he countered.

“I don’t see why it can’t be.”

His chest rose with a deep breath, and I suspected anothersigh was coming. “Let me ask this… Do Queens in the mortal realm dress as youare now?”

The tunic featured a stiff collar, giving it a more formalappearance. I liked the elbow-length sleeves. “I don’t know every Queen in themortal realm, but from what I saw, no. You know what I also saw?”

“Hmm?” he asked.

“A Queen who wore pretty silk gowns and glittering jewels.”The image of my mother took form. “And, at the end of the day, she was aterrible Queen.”

“I interact with the people of Lethe often,” Aios said. “I don’t think they will care if she wears agown or breeches. And to be frank, I think less finery would also serve to showthose who do not know her that she is not invested in fancy trappings like somePrimals are.”

The sigh came then.

“Plus,” Aios continued, taking thetunic from me and holding it to my shoulders. One side of the garment ended updraped over Reaver’s head, but the back of the top appeared as if it wouldreach just above my ankles. The front curved elegantly into a V-shape, comingtogether at the navel to create a flowing and elongated silhouette. “It isnearly as long as a gown and could easily be seen as such.”

“I don’t think anyone would mistake that for a gown.”

Did he not remember what he’d seen me wearing while in Dalos? This was more of a gown than I’d worn there.

“Disagree,” Aios stated, lettingme take the tunic again and crossing her arms.

He was quiet for a moment and then stated flatly, “I do hopepants are involved in this attire you must wear.”

“No, I was planning to wear just this.” I raised a brow as Isaw his lips twitch. “Was that an actual joke?”

“I would never.” He lowered his gaze, closing the leatherfolio over the bound parchment. “Anyway, I see the point you’re making—thepoint both of you are making.”

I sent Aios a grateful look. Shegave me a barely noticeable nod, leaving me to wonder if she knew why I didn’twant to wear a gown. She probably did.

“But when it comes to the meeting with the Primals,” Rhain said, “I suggest you consider somethingdifferent. Those like Embris will expect you topresent yourself in a certain way.”

I couldn’t give a barrat’s assabout how Embris expected me to present myself, butRhain wouldn’t be happy with that answer. “I’ll consider it.”

Rhain eyed me as if he didn’t believe for one second that Iwould, but I suddenly felt Ash drawing close. The sensation of a dozen birdstaking flight filled my chest.

The doors opened moments later, and he entered. His gazeimmediately found mine. “I would like some time…” His head tilted as a slightfrown appeared. “Is that Reaver under the dress?”

“Ha!” I exclaimed. “Even he thinks it’s a dress.”

Rhain rolled his eyes.

“And yes, it’s Reaver,” I said, and the youngling popped hishead out from under the garment. “He’s helping.”

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