Page 94 of Dark Fate

Alina snaps the final button into place at my gown's back, and that's when I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the full-length mirror. A surge of reassurance floods through me as I take in the sight—I'm the embodiment of royalty, exuding an undeniable strength that seems to radiate from within. This gown is more than just fabric and thread; it's a suit of elegance, my battle attire for the challenges that lie ahead.

"You look beautiful," Alina breathes out, and this time, her smile is the real deal, with no pretense or artifice in sight. It's a genuine expression of admiration and respect that warms me.

"Thanks," I shoot back, pivoting away from the looking glass to face her squarely. "I feel... fitting for the occasion."

And it's true—I do feel fitting like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be, doing exactly what I'm meant to do. This sense of purpose and destiny is a heady feeling that buoys me up like a rising tide.

I pause for a moment, considering Alina with a thoughtful tilt of my head. "You know, I don't think I've ever asked you about your life here at the Sun Court. How long have you been an attendant?"

Alina's eyes widen slightly, surprised by my interest. It's clear that she's not used to being asked about herself and having someone take a genuine interest in her life and experiences. "Oh, I've been here for a few years now," she says, a hint of shyness creeping into her voice. "It's a good life, serving the court and being a part of something greater."

I nod, understanding the sentiment all too well. "I can imagine. It must be rewarding, in its own way."

"It is," Alina agrees, a genuine smile gracing her features and lighting up her eyes. "And if I may say so, My Lady, it's an honor to serve you. Your presence brings a new light to the court, a sense of hope and possibility that we haven't felt in a long time."

Her words touch me deeply, striking a chord within my heart that resonates with the truth of her sentiment. I reach out to give her hand a gentle squeeze, feeling the warmth of her skin against my own. "Thank you, Alina," I say softly, my voice thick with emotion. "That means a lot to me. I hope we can become friends during my time here."

Alina returns the squeeze, her eyes shining with warmth and hinting of something that might be tears. "I would like that very much, My Lady," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

I quickly switch topics."Okay, now please tell me. Just what in the hell was in that wine?" I ask, my mind replaying last night's uninhibited antics with vivid clarity.

Alina, trying to maintain her composure, smiles demurely. "It's a signature blend of our vineyard. As I mentioned, it comes with a certain... zest."

"Zest? That's like calling a wildfire a spark," I quip, my eyebrows arching. "Felt more like a liquid love potion if you ask me."

With a grace that matches the poise of her giggle, Alina nods. "Indeed, it contains a... passionate additive," she says, her diplomacy shining through her amusement. "It is a treasured essence, one that has kindled fires in our realm for many generations, My Lady."

I can't help but gape at her, my jaw dropping in a mix of shock and admiration. "Wait, wait, wait. You're telling me you guys have been spiking your wine with some ancient, magical horny juice for hundreds of years?"

Alina nods a hint of pride in her smile. "Indeed, My Lady. It's a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations of our winemakers."

I shake my head, a grin spreading across my face. "Well, damn. You guys sure know how to party.

Alina's laughter rings out, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Indeed, My Lady. It helps…relax, in a sense—keeps the peace."

At this moment, I feel a connection forming between us, a bond of friendship and understanding that transcends our differences in rank and station. It's a reminder that, beneath the trappings of court life and the weight of destiny, we are all just people searching for connection and meaning in this strange and wondrous world.

I smile at Alina, feeling a sense of peace and contentment settle over me like a warm blanket. "Well then, my friend," I say, my voice light and teasing, "shall we go and face the court together?"

With the crown in place—the final gleaming touch to my ensemble—I swiftly take a final look at my reflection. This is it—the moment when the mirror tells no lies and the regal figure staring back holds the weight of destiny.

It's showtime.

Alina grins, her eyes sparkling with mischief and delight. "Let's do it, My Lady," she says, offering me her arm in a playful gesture of camaraderie.

We strut out to rendezvous withRhyland,Erik, andFaderyn. The trio looms like towers of power, but their expressions turn all puppy-dog the moment they lay eyes on me.

Erikemits a low whistle as we approach, his eyes widening in surprise as he sees me in my formal finery. "I never thought I'd see you don a gown willingly after our last debacle with courtly attire," he says, a hint of teasing in his voice.

That gets me chuckling—a quick snort that's more about jittery nerves than anything else. "Let's just say it's nice to be sporting a little more fabric real estate today," I quip back, smoothing my hands over the lush skirts of my gown.

"You look beautiful, Little Huntress,"Eriksays sweetly, his eyes softening with genuine affection.

Rhylandsaunters over, all soft gazes and gentle touches, and weaves his fingers through my carefully coiffed locks. "You look stunning,Angel," he murmurs, his voice dipped in honey and promise.

"Thank you," I breathe out, feeling a flush of pleasure at their compliments. But even as I bask in their admiration, I can't help but inquire, "And where's our dear Luci tucked away?"

"He beat us to the punch, mingling in the throne room with the rest of the crowd,"Rhylandtells me, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You knowLucian—he's never one to miss a chance to work the room."

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