Page 71 of Scars and Burns

“Saphrina, I… I can’t. It’s too much.”

“Yes, you can. I’ll be wearing the gold one but this, this one is all you.” She takes it from my hands and places it on my face. Rearranging the fallen curls. “There, now look.”

I turn around and I am at a loss for words. Saphrina was right. The makeup, the mask, they both make my eyes - I’m not even sure - lessshamefulsomehow.

She’s more of a sister than I deserve. And I am keeping so much from her. I reach to touch my face but she stops me.

“Don’t ruin my masterpiece.” We share a laugh. “Dresses?”

I nod.

While I have to wear the same dress I wore to the Greeting, Saphrina has countless formal gowns for events like this.

Since, she needs to be perceived as pure and innocent but still mature to the eye. We opt for a soft pink dress with an off-the shoulder neckline and a deep enough ‘V’ that’s catching but still modest.

I stand behind her with my hands on her shoulders, resting my chin on my hand. Peering past her into the mirror. She is a few inches taller than I am but with the heels I am wearing I am now taller. We look at each other in the mirror.

She sighs, “I wish Mother was her.”

“Me too. She would be so proud of you. She’d know exactly what to say in moments like this.”

“Do you think she would have believed I could have had a mate? Been blessed with one?”

I look down. Thinking about what she’s asking me. I return my gaze to hers, “I can’t answer that. What I can say is Mother told me extraordinary Faes receive mates.” I turn her so we are facing each other. Holding her hands in between us. “And you are an extraordinary Fae.”

She smiles at me. “You know Mother may have died but you gained her wisdom. Her kindness and loving heart. Her pure soul.”

I’m taken back by that.

Pure soul?

If only Saphrina knew. If only she knew how dark my soul has become. A black abyss inside of me.

Where death is my onlyrelease.

35

Dinalia

We are waiting outside the ball room. Everyone else is already inside. Everyone but the royal family from the celestial realm, King Elio, Saphrina, and myself.

They are to make a grand entrance. Prince Proteus will be escorted by his parents and Saphrina is to be escorted by her Father.

I walked Saphrina to the door for her grand entrance. I am about to head around the room to enter from the side but then I am stopped.

“Where do you think you are going, Lady Dinalia?” It’s King Elio.

I turn to him. Confusion clear on my face.

“May Lady Dinalia and I have a moment please?” He says over his shoulder.

Everyone looks at us but leaves nonetheless.

He looks down at me and I up at him. I never have nor will I ever cower in front of him. He is technically my King and he did take me and my Mother in. For that he has my respect but I will not bow to him and fall at my knees like all the rest.

“Something I can help you with, Your Grace?” I ask.

“Who are planning on pursuing this evening?”

---