Page 63 of Scars and Burns

“Finally!” Saphrina says, as she rushes over to me. Taking my hands into hers, “They have all arrived. Celestial and Shadowlands. You will be standing off to Father’s right and I his left. We will already be standing when the guests enter the hall for the Greeting.”

She stops. Pulls back and extends our arms out together, looking me over. “You look divine! When did you get that gown?”

Smiling nervously, “Mother and I began fashioning it togethershortly before she died. I haven’t had an opportunity to wear it until now. I will have to wear it for the Welcome Masquerade Ball this evening as well. Seeing as I don’t have anything else fitting. I will also need to find a mask if I am to attend.”

“Oh I can assist with that. And as for more gowns, we will have to go to the modiste first thing tomorrow.”

Sighing, I say, “Saphrina, that’s very kind of you but I do not have the funds for the royal modiste.”

“Nonsense, if you are going to be attending events hosted by the crown then the least the crown can do is provide you with the proper attire necessary.” She says it so matter of factly, right as King Elio is walking up to join us.

He catches what Saphrina just said. We both peer over at him. Waiting to see if he will object. But to my surprise he doesn’t. He simply says, “Saphrina is right. It is high time you start being presented as the lady you are. The crown would be happy to fund the required attire for the upcoming celebrations. We won’t want you missing out on any nobleman simply because your wardrobe was not up to par.”

King Elio is being so hot and cold with me right now. He’s never once deemed me acceptable. Nor has he ever offered to pay for anything. He is obviously still set on me leaving his Kingdom but why is he being so gracious and kind to me only when Saphrina is around. He never bothered to before.

Looking up at him, I say, “Thank you, Your Grace. That is very generous of you.”

He nods to me in agreement. “It’s time.” He says.

We all enter single file. Saphrina leading the way, followed by the King, and then myself.

The Celestial Realm is announced first. A brief and very formal exchange. My eyes meet Prince Proteus’s a few times. We both lookedeach other over.

I recall the boy I saw all those years ago. He’s grown into a very handsome young man. His hair is the same granite gray but his eyes have now harness more depth to them, pools of glacier blue. He’s tall and strong. Clearly training in battle fighting as well. His eyes flick to mine and there is a feeling of familiarity there. Although, I have only seen him one other time in my life. And we have never uttered a single word to one another. I feel as I could have known him my whole life. A softness and comforting look in his eyes. A welcoming expression I have not encountered in many years. There is something about him that intrigues me. A curiosity, evenafter all this time.

Our interaction does not last long. Saphrina and Prince Proteus could barely take their eyes off of one another. Small smiles and flushed cheeks from both. They are eager to explore what could be between them.

While he is most likely not inexperienced being five and twenty, and a male, Saphrina is. I do hope whatever transpires between the two of them these next three months is gentle and forthcoming from both sides.

There were a few noblemen of the Celestial Realm that I made eye contact with. None lingering. None longing.

They take their leave. A page ready to escort them to their chambers.

Now it is time for the Shadowlands to be greeted. To my knowledge, other than the raids, the Shadowlands have never set foot in the Middle Kingdom. Certainly not in celebration or peace.

My nerves are going haywire. There’s a knot forming in my stomach. As my chest begins to tighten. The one’s responsible for so much torture. So much pain and suffering are just beyond those doors.

I haven’t been in the presence of a Shadowling since that day in theforest. Since Aemond whispered sweet nothings to me. Caressing and touching my skin. Not since feeling the planes of his body up against mine. Smoothing my hands over his muscular physique.

Pushing those thoughts from my mind as the page announces their arrival, “The representative of the Shadowlands, Prince Aeron son of King Perseus.”

I almost fall forward when I seehim.

32

Dinalia

It’s him. I’m sure of it. I would know those deep sapphire eyes anywhere.

Aemond. The Shadowling man who fooled me into thinking he wanted to get to know one another. The one I waited day after day in the forest for. The one I think about when I touch myself until I’ve reached my pinnacle.

What is he doing here?

Is he a nobleman? A guard?

No, can’t be. He’s leading the group.

He doesn’t meet my gaze. Not until he stops directly in front of us, with a stupid ass smirk on his face. The audacity of him. I feel like such a fool. He was playing with me all along. Embarrassment rushes to my cheeks. I can’t let him see his effect on me. Not the embarrassment that fills me now. Or the fact that I still want him.

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