Page 96 of Scars and Burns

“I will not deny there is something between Dinalia and myself. As you know there has always been something about her that has drawn me towards her. But she is harder to read. She is attracted to me but who isn’t. If she survives what is to come, perhaps then we can explore what is between us.”

“If she survives? Has the plan changed?” Aemond asks, concern and worry in his voice.

Sighing, I relent, “You know I was never going to be able to kill her. I knew it the day I saw her fleeing her home and I’ve just been denying it to myself everyday since.”

Aemond hums in agreement. I know he is also thinking I amdenying the mating bond between us too.

“And you are forgetting. She and I just fought. She fights unlike anyone else I have ever encountered. No one in our regiment could best her. Because no one is trained to fight against her techniques. Not even me.”

Dinalia is exquisite. I’m sure she taught herself how to fight. As much as she might have trained with that man, Christopher, no one could have taught her to fight like that. Because those techniques are not known throughout the three realms. She’s developed a style of her very own.

I won’t deny myself to her any longer. Saphrina is already in my grasp. And Dinalia is consuming my every thought.

Her soul is unlike any other. Fiery and fierce. Solemn and mysterious. The truest and purest soul that would ever light the night sky. And no one could hold a candle to her.

A rare stars whose light cannot be matched is an understatement. She is a guiding light. I beacon for my own lost soul. I would follow her into the utter abyss for all eternity. She is mine.

My light.

My ember.

My estrella.

“So… how badly did she beat you?” Aemond asks mockingly, but it’s all in good fun. Knowing I do not take failure lightly. Nor have I lost a fight in years.

I smile, “Beyond words, my friend, beyond words.”

43

Dinalia

The modiste is going to be a challenge. How am I supposed to change, try on dresses, and justify my preferred high neckline without exposing my Goddess mark.

No one has seen it. No one except my Mother and Aeron. Who somehow knows about it. Though I still haven’t figured out how.

For the most part everyone assumes it is still on my forearm. Covered by my long sleeved tunics that I wear everyday.

Saphrina has been talking the whole time we’ve been in the carriage. Mindless chatter. I’m too distracted with keeping my Goddess mark a secret to care. I don’t notice she’s asked me a question until she’s tapping me on the knee.

My head turns towards her, “I’m sorry what did you say? I was lost in thought.”

“I asked what colors would you prefer? The fashion and style of the dresses will be simple since you’ve never really worn any. I can pick all the best ones out for you. But color is another matter. What suits me will most likely not compliment your… darker complexion.” At that I smile. No one in the Middle Kingdom has the same skin tone as me. In fact, even though I am from the Celestial Realm, Iwould have stood out even more if I had continued to live there. The people of the Middle Kingdom have ivory skin and those who work the fields tend to get more coloring. But the Celestial Realm is quite pale. Their soft porcelain skin seems to want to blend and match the snow caps of the mountains they live in. The only realm I have some resemblance to is the Shadowlands, with copper skin and raven hair. Though I have no knowledge of my lineage on my Father’s side. For all I know, I could be part of the Shadowlands. Wouldn’t that be ironic.

“You wear all black leathers every single day. Tunic and trousers, so I think we should mix it up for the gowns. Although black does seem to suit your coloring. A few gowns with silver embellishment in black could not hurt. That sapphire blue was stunning on you last night.” She hums a sweet sound. “Did you notice how it matched Prince Aeron’s eyes? What are the odds?”

Pretty high, considering when I fashioned the dress with my Mother all those years ago I chose the color for his eyes. But Saphrina doesn’t need to know that.

I shrug my shoulders. As if I didn’t really notice or pay close enough attention.

We’ve arrived at the modiste. The driver begins to open the door for Saphrina and myself when I pull it closed again. Locking it from the inside.

“What are you doing?!” Saphrina exclaims.

I exhale. I have to tell her. Have to show her why I need absolute privacy and discretion. I hold up a finger to the driver. Indicating I just need a moment. Closing the window shade.

“Saphrina, please sit.” She takes her seat again right across from me. Waiting patiently for me to explain myself. “Before we enter, there is something I must tell you. Something I must show you really.” Her face turns into worry. I begin to untie my corset. Just enoughto loosen it so I can pull the tunic I wear underneath out to show her. I lay my hands on my chest. Closing my eyes and taking a few more deep breaths before starting. “When we enter the modiste I must change in private and I only wish to wear dresses with a high neckline.”

She scrunches her nose. “Dinalia, that is hardly going to capture the attention of a man to marry. Nor is it as feminine. So regal and stern per your usual attire. This is a chance to do something new. And on my Father’s coin! And if you are worried about exposing yourself, don’t be. I know you do not enjoy servants waiting on you. Nor are you used to being fitted so formally but this is the best modiste in the kingdom. They will make you feel safe and comfortable. Plus, I’ll be here for you as well.”

---