Page 15 of Princess of Draga

Her sister’s answering grin was infectious. “I thought you would never ask,” her sister said. She inclined her head in question towards the consort’s suite. “Are we bringing anyone elsealong?”

Adelina looked at the open doorway and considered the ramifications. It was all or nothing. Adelina nodded, they could trustNadyah.

“I believe Nadyah might enjoy such an excursion. After all courtesans are trained in more than the bedroom arts.” They both waited and looked to the courtesan’sroom.

Nadyah’s sultry voice came through the door. “That is correct, we are also trained in defense; the perfect hiddenescort.”

Adelinagrinned.

“Don’t you have a dress appointment?” Giselleasked.

Adelina cursed as she jumped up from the bed. “I have to leave now if I want to be on time.” The appointment was clear across the palace and in a separate building. Giselle followed after her, nearly banging into her when she stopped at the door. “Nadyah, would you mindcoming?”

Nadyah came out of her room smiling. “I would love to help ensure you will be the shining jewel of your party, your highness.” There was a wicked gleam in her eye and Adelina knew she would push and cajole the tailor for a more daringfit.

Adelina shivered in anticipation. Living with Nadyah in the palace would be quite achange.

Chapter Four

Nadyah

Draga RoyalPalace

Planet DragaTerra

Nadyah watchedher princess stand in front of a huge set of mirrors in a gown fit for a queen. It was her coming-of-age party after all. She deserved to shine. The tailor tugged and pulled at the layers and layers of fabric. The skirts fluffed out in a pleasing way over the flexible hoop skirt the princesswore.

She tilted her head and studied the way the spidersilk clung to Adelina’s shoulders, breasts, and waist. The fabric was a dark red, darker than blood and wine. It was so deep it was nearly black and the color complimented Adelina’s amethyst eyes, enhancing the darker flecks ofpurple.

The young princess looked uncomfortable as she turned in front of the mirror, looking at the dress from many different angles. Nadyah wasn’t sure if it was the long skirts trailing on the floor, the stiletto heels waiting for her to put on, or the modest cut. As soon as the signal was given she had a few ideas for how to change it to properly accentuate her princess’sassets.

The courtesan had to admit the details were exquisite. Somehow the dressmaker had managed to embroider a lace appearance on sheer spidersilk. It went over Adelina’s shoulders and arms. The sheer material showed off a delicate back and the dimples at her hips made a nice addition. Nadyah smiled in appreciation as the princess turned towards her and PrincessGiselle.

The embroidery also went around the front and across the chest to her throat. The thicker spidersilk covered most of her front in a modest pattern that made her look very young. The slight sparkle of the silk in the light would look wonderful in the ballroom with the traditional candle chandeliers and the floating lights. Nadyah couldn’t wait to help her get ready for theevent.

“What do you think?” Adelina asked. She glanced at Giselle but her gaze lingered onNadyah.

Nadyah waited for Giselle to speak first as their difference in rankdemanded.

“Oh, Lina you look wonderful,” Giselle gushed. “Is there something you don’t like aboutit?”

Nadyah was surprised at how perceptive Giselle was to her younger sister’s feelings, but she had a lot to learn about the two of them if what she overheard was any indication. This was turning out to be the assignment of alifetime.

Adelina glanced nervously at the dressmaker. She was a dominant woman and she practically glared daggers at Giselle, who dared suggest there was something not tolike.

“It’s designed exactly per my design and it’s gorgeous,” Adelinaadmitted.

“But?” Giselle pressed. Nadyah found their relationshipfascinating.

“But I am not sure this exact design is what I would like to wear to myparty.”

The dressmaker crossed her arms and made a noise in the back of her throat. “We do not have long, if you want a change you must decide now. Working with spidersilk is extremely delicatework.”

“I apologize, Gwendolyn,” Adelinawhispered.

Nadyah rose from her seat slowly, eyes to the floor with only a tiny smile and bowed to both princesses. She waited for Giselle to nod her permission as the most dominant and highest ranking in the room, though Nadyah wondered if Gwendolyn might rival the older princess indominance.

“Might I make a suggestion Princess Adelina?” she asked softly. Barely louder than a whisper yet she made sure her words carried clearly across the room. A skill Jael had taught her over thecycles.

---