Page 23 of Heir of Draga

Joslynn nodded and took the box out of one of her trunks. “I have a wedding gift for her and I don’t want it lost among all the others. But perhaps I should just drop it off instead.”

They weren’t really friends – not as they once were, but she knew she had to keep trying, to keep working at fixing what she’d broken. Joslynn didn’t want to mar Adelina’s happy moment by reminding her how those around her had failed her – Joslynn worst of all.

Sirus paused before offering her his arm. His expression thoughtful and yet somehow still concerned. “You should take it to her, perhaps ask if you can see her. The worst she can say is no, and we both know she won’t refuse you. The princess is too kind for such pettiness.”

She sighed and placed her hand over his. “I should. I wish I hadn’t reacted the way I did when I saw her wolf.”

Sirus shook his head and led her out of the rooms. “I have to say even I was disturbed when I saw Giselle on the battlefield. The royals are so much more feral in comparison to us. We’ve forgotten during peacetime that they were created to protect us with claws and teeth. It seems pretty civilization has dulled us all.”

Joslynn looked up in surprise, still a bit startled to see Sirus with two fully functioning eyes instead of one. “You were? Even after everything you’ve seen during your patrols?”

Sirus nodded and led her down the hall. The entire palace was in happy chaos. Servants, nobles, courtiers, and endless guests flitted about ignoring Joslynn and Sirus as they headed towards the royal dressing rooms on the ground floor.

“In the heat of battle she ripped out a Treon traitor’s throat with her teeth after he’d disarmed her. It’s wise to remember the royals are never truly unarmed. Even sweet Adelina can rip someone’s face off with barely a thought. We’re all lucky they have such perfect control.”

Joslynn nodded as she tried to put each piece of knowledge into place. Everyone was told the stories, but leaving their barbarous ways over the last few generations had hidden the truth. People started to forget.

Even the most dominant among them had bloodlust, but nothing like the power the royals had – the ability to simply shut off their emotions so they could make the best decision for all involved. It seemed to be both a blessing and a curse in Joslynn’s eyes.

They stopped outside the dressing room for royal females. Guards stood at the doors and Joslynn hesitated. Sirus didn’t question her; he simply let her take her time.

Joslynn squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Please let Princess Adelina or Mistress Nadyah know I have something for the bride.”

The guard on the right tapped his implant and muttered a few words. Moments later Nadyah poked her head out of the dressing room. When she saw Joslynn she paused. “Would you like to give it to her yourself?” Nadyah asked a little sharply, as though she hoped Joslynn would say no.

“If that’s all right,” she said, keeping her eyes down out of deference and respect.

Nadyah sighed through her nose but opened the door wider and stepped aside. “Lord Sirus will have to wait here.”

“Of course,” her fiancé said with a slight bow. “Take as long as necessary, Joslynn.”

Joslynn took the step into the dressing room and waited for Nadyah to close the door as she took it all in. The room was tucked away, nearly invisible in the palace if one didn’t know what to look for. It was strategically placed for any necessary wardrobe changes for events and the like, or simply a room to rest in where no one else had access.

Despite its architectural camouflage the windows were massive and one-way. They could all see the temple in the main courtyard was set up, the sacred black roses everywhere, and the guests finding their seats. Most of them were filled and assigned, but due to the nature of the event people stood where they could so they could watch, all the royal guards on high alert.

The light in the room showed off the blood-red carpet, the velvet drapes, and gold trim. Adelina stood before three massive mirrors on a slight pedestal as someone fussed with the wedding gown and another checked her hair. Joslynn had never seen someone look quite so happy before.

The smile on the princess’s face was bright enough to light the world and cast away all the darkness.

“Lady Joslynn, what a lovely surprise,” Veri said, standing from the couch. The look on her face was sharp and the way she angled her body to put herself between Joslynn and Adelina…

Joslynn smiled and bobbed a small curtsey. “It’s a pleasure to see you, Lady Veri. The princess is lucky to have friends such as you.” And she meant it. Having Veri’s loyalty was a thousand times better than having her as an enemy. It didn’t matter if Joslynn liked her or not, the female was an effective warrior.

“Joslynn! It’s good to see you!” Adelina called. The female tugging on the dress scolded the princess but she ignored her. “Come here so I don’t have to shout.”

Relieved her visit was welcome, Joslynn made a wide berth around Veri and smiled briefly at Roxy who eyed her with disdain. The redhead drank a glass of champagne while Veri proceeded to ask a thousand questions of the commoner.

It was strange because Roxy didn’t seem to mind so much.

“I came to give you this,” Joslynn said when she reached the bottom of the small platform. The dress in varying shades of pink was really quite gorgeous and the creamy pink lace set off the darker, red-pink on the bodice.

A masterpiece of a gown.

Adelina took the box from Joslynn and opened it carefully. Her eyes twinkled when she saw what was inside. “Oh, these are lovely.” She took the diamond bangles out of the box and instantly slipped them on. They matched the simple diamond jewelry Adelina wore and Joslynn was glad she’d chosen correctly.

“It’s good luck to wear a gift on your wedding day,” Joslynn said, folding her hands in front of her. “I’m glad it’s suitable.”

Adelina’s expression grew serious as she inspected Joslynn from head to toe. “You look beautiful as always.”

---