Page 35 of A Trial of the Heart

Knock, knock, knock.“Skylar?” Idris echoed on the other side of the door, and I rushed to open it.

“What in the Gods’ names have you been doing?” She looked me over from head to toe, gawking at the sweat dripping from my brow and coating my clothes.

“I was training,” I panted. “I don’t like to sit still. I had to do something… I—” I stopped because Idris understood, and she didn’t need another reminder about where her mate was at this very moment.

Idris shook her head, pushing past me to enter the room. She held two gowns in her arms and delicately draped them over the white sheets of my bed. “Thankthe Mother and Father you have me. This is going to be my toughest work yet. Now strip down, clean up, and get ready to put those acting skills to the test. You, me, and Castor will all be playing the role of dutiful subjects tonight, and it won’tbe easy.”

Chapter Eight

“Are we finished yet, ladies?” Castor’s foot impatiently tapped against the floor on his side of the secret door. “The festivities have already begun, and our absence will be noted if we don’t hurry along soon.”

“Perfection takes time!” Idris snapped back through the wall. “If anyone makes a fuss, you can blame it on me. They won’t sneer or ask questions as to why I’m moving so slowly.” The final pieces of my hair fell into place as Idris stepped back. “I have to say, Skylar, this is my best work yet!”

I grasped the bottom skirt of my deep purple fitted gown and walked over to the mirror next to the doorway.

“I-Idris. Is that me?” This was hands down the most glamorous gown I had ever seen, let alone worn. I was practically speechless, and the fact that Daxton had given instructions to have this specially made for me made it all the more special.

I twirled in the reflection, gawking at the beautiful, vivid amethyst and silver sparkling gown that hugged the curves of my hips perfectly before flowing out behind me in a long, delicate train. The sheer glittering fabric mimicked a second layer of skin around the neckline and sleeves, holding microscopic gems thatmade my fair skin sparkle to life in the reflection of the fae lights. The slit along my right leg ended just above my upper thigh, adding a sensual, captivating aspect to the bewitchingly beautiful design. The purple fabric opened in a deep V between my breasts, highlighting them in an elegant yet still alluring way that would undoubtedly catch the attention of any eyes glancing my direction. Idris pulled half of my hair back using the hairpin I was gifted in the marketplace as the accent to finish her design.

“You love it?” Idris asked, circling me.

“How could I not?” I gasped. “You look amazing as well, Idris.”

“Obviously,” she said with a brazen smile.

Her flowing gown was a deep crimson color, tightly fitted and stretching wide over her very pregnant belly. It dropped into a similar deep V-cut, exposing the entire length of her back from the nape to her hips.

“Ready?” she asked.

“Ready,” I answered, steadying my nerves and preparing myself to enter the Aelius court. And trust me, I knew it was not for the weak of heart.

I opened the secret door to find a handsome, debonair Castor waiting impatiently for us to join him. He was dressed in a black shirt layered with a fitted silver jacket and elegant black stitching along the seams. Paired with black pants and a silver cloak draped over his right shoulder. The emblem of the three silver mountains hovering proudly above his heart.

In Silver Meadows, if anyone wished to join their army, they had to successfully master the Gauntlet to become a Silver Meadows warrior and earn their first peak. Another was added when the warrior defended their realm, and the third was earned when their actionshonored their people. Holding all three peaks was considered a treasured distinction beyond measure.

“You look handsome.” I looped my arm through the nook of his elbow. He grinned and held out his other arm for Idris, who happily accepted and stepped to his other side.

“I’ll be the envy of every male and female in attendance tonight. I have no doubt we’ll likely steal all the attention this evening— Gods above, how lucky you two are to havemeas your stunning escort,” he teased.

On cue, Idris and I both smacked him firmly in the chest.

“Ouch.” Castor chuckled. “I didn’t know you enjoyed rough foreplay. That can always be arranged…”

“Castor,” I said in a low warning tone.

“What? I have to get these in while I’m out of Dax and Adohan’s hearing range.”

“He has a point.” Idris laughed as she gripped Castor’s arm tighter.

I could see a look of concern flash across her face, so I tugged on Castor to wait a moment longer before exiting our shared room. I watched as Idris straightened her shoulders, embodying her inner strength and grace.

“Let’s join them,” Idris confidently said, holding her chin high as the three of us walked down the long corridor to where the sounds of music, mingling, and laughter lured us.

Guards at the entrance to the main ballroom stood watch, adorned with lightweight deep green armor. They held up their hands, recognizing who we were, and asked us to wait before entering.

“What should I be expecting?” I whispered to Castor and Idris.

“The usual,” Castor said. “Dancing, conversations, lies, deception, scandal. Oh, and perhaps the occasional fucking in a secluded room out of earshot from the music and conversation. Or perhaps just outside the—”

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