Page 7 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

Verena

The Eve of Dryston’s Coronation

The royal family hereby requests your presence

for the Royal Gala in celebration of

the Prince Dryston Whitewell’s coronation.

The highly anticipated gala was mere hours away. The past week had been a grueling one, with endless preparations and demands to ensure its success. I long for the event to be over so I can finally rest before taking on my duties as queen. My heels click frantically against the marble floors, creating a staccato rhythm that echoes through the halls, and drawing curious gazes from those around me. I bark out orders to the staff, maintaining a respectful tone despite my haste. It was all hands on deck to make this night a memorable one for all in attendance.

The cooks are profusely preparing a feast large enough for hundreds of people. I will be sure to give them all time off for a bit when it’s all over. But the smells? Delicious. Our chef is phenomenal as always. I can easily get lost in the way bread smells and it made the bakeries by far my favorite section of town.

I greet people with a smile as I pass our temporary guests, stressing over the days event.

The king of Khyrel still has yet to arrive and Dryston is getting antsy, which of course makes me nervous. With Mya taking up his nights, leaving me in peace before the building stressful days— one after the next.

“I need to get this garnet color up completely. His Majesty was very specific.” I tell Mya, who lately has had a scowl on her face but I genuinely do not care enough to ask. She has never seemingly cared for me, only being here out of some duty chosen by the prince. It grates my nerves and that is probably the reason he made her my ladysmaid.

“Yes, Verena.” She huffs and I stop in my tracks, eyeing the surrounding beings before gracefully pulling her to the side.

“What in Sorin’s name is the matter with you? Are you not thankful to work in the castle? Are you not thankful to be my ladysmaid? I am so kind to you and you seem to treat me with such disrespect.” I lightly snap at her, crossing my arms over my chest as I await her response.

“Nothing, princess. Of course I want to be here.” She answers, not looking in my face but I see the look of discontent, the challenge in her eyes, the formal way she carries herself. She was not bred for being staff and now my curiosity consumes me on why she is here.

I calm myself before saying anything more as Hadeon stands to the side, allowing us a private discussion.

“Mya. If you are not happy with your placement, I will speak to the future king about gracing his mother with your presence instead or one of the Ladies of the court. I do not wish to force you into anything you do not care for.”

She looks at me now, staring into my eyes, searching for what, I do not know. It feels as if time slips by us as we stand still. One of my brows remains raised, as if challenging her myself. Then, as if it never happened, she blinks the condescending look away and looks at the floor. “No, Princess Verena. I wish to stay with you. My apologies for my behavior, this week has been stressful and as I am sure you know, the future king is not easy to please.” There’s a smirk that she tries to keep off her face but I see thetwitch in her lips as her eyes keep to the floor.

It is not what she says, it’s how she says it that triggers something as red as blood in me. The dig, as if she finds me weak for allowing the prince to find solace in other women. I smile brightly, instead of the wanted reaction I am sure she waits for.

“Very well.” I smile so big, as if I had the best news, “I do hope we become friends. It is always easier when you have someone in your corner when he decides he no longer wants to waste his time with women who hold no actual purpose in his life.” Her lips tilt downward and I turn from her, seeing Hadeon’s smirk before continuing on my mission to get tonight and tomorrows list of to-do’s done. All my decorating will be finished by the time tomorrow comes and then I can finally rest.

* * *

A red tint dusts my dress. The feel of the silk fabric brushes my soft skin and I revel in the feel of it. I chose the color after Dryston changed his mind about the scheme. It was supposed to be a dark green but my last minute change at the modiste pulled through to the dark garnet hue. Tradition always has the queen or future queen match the theme of the event.

Tonight should flow smoothly.

I excused Mya from helping me get ready tonight, not needing it and honestly not wanting it.

The slash on my cheek was now gone, healed by my fae body.

With steady hands, I trace the charcoal pencil along my lashline, darkening my eyes and adding a sultry edge to my appearance. Next, I carefully brush on the rouge to my cheeks, creating a subtle flush of color. My lips are stained in a deep red, giving them a luscious, inviting look. Finally, I run my fingers through my long black hair, smoothing out any tangles and arranging it into loose waves that cascade down my back.

As I step into the dress, I can’t help but feel like a goddess. The deep v-neckline shows off my décolletage while theopen back reveals smooth, bare skin. Thin straps crisscross over my back, adding an intricate touch to the otherwise simple design. The fabric clung to my curves in all the right places, accentuating my figure. And then there is the high slit — just enough to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of leg without being too revealing.

I wish I could arrive without shoes on my feet, but Dryston would lose his mind.

I take one last glance in the mirror, satisfied with the way I look. With a confident smile, I head out for the evening’s festivities.

I open the door to my chambers to reveal Hadeon dress in his royal guard uniform. The deep jade color brightening his eyes.

His intense gaze fixes on me, causing a rosy tint to bloom on his cheeks. He stumbles over his words, unable to find the right ones to express what he sees. I chuckle softly at his flustered state. “You look stunning,” he finally manages to say before gesturing for me to lead the way.

We enter the grand throne room, where all of our royal events take place. The expansive space is furnished with elegant tapestries and sparkling chandeliers, creating an atmosphere fit for a queen.

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