Page 76 of Ruling Destiny

Braxton:Arthur just summoned me, so I’m heading down early. I’ll see you there.

Considering how the last message was sent around the time the inspirational quote came through, it’s strange that I’m just now seeing them.

Did I somehow click something that pushed them into the background?

After cruising through several security checkpoints that require both the driver and me to show our slabs and prove our identities, I’m left outside a door where I find Keane waiting.

“What, no skates?” I shoot a pointed look at his sneaker-clad feet.

And while I admit it’s not the funniest joke I’ve ever made, Keane’s expression is so serious, I wish I hadn’t said anything.

“You okay?” I ask as he whisks me inside.

“Are you?” He regards me with an intensity that leaves me feeling uneasy.

I nod, wondering if it’s just me or if something weird is going on. Keane is usually much friendlier than this.

“Good.” He nods. “Now let’s get you over to Charlotte.”

“Can I see Braxton first?” My stomach is in such a tangle, and Braxton always has a calming effect.

Keane shakes his head, though there’s no missing the troubled glint in his eyes as he hurries me along.

After Keane’s tense and edgy energy, Charlotte’s sweet enthusiasm is a welcome relief.

“I have a surprise,” she says, her eyes lighting up, and I watch as she rushes to the rack and brings back a dress I don’t remember being fitted for.

My gaze pores over the fabric—a beautiful, dark blue brocade with a sparkly thread woven throughout that makes the whole thing shimmer as though it’s woven from stardust.

“A surprise travel dress for good luck.” She clasps her hands at her waist and grins.

After she helps me into the filmy silk undergown, I slip into the sparkling dress, followed by an equally beautifulgiornea and my custom-made shoes. Then, once my hair is done and some light makeup applied, I stand before the mirror, and I can’t help but gasp at the sight.

With a quick change of clothing and a new way of wearing my hair, I’ve truly transformed into a vision of Renaissance nobility.

“I think this is my favorite look yet,” I tell her. “And even better, there’s no awkward hoops or pannier.”

Charlotte’s cheeks flush. “It is a very good look.” She nods, as pleased with her work as she is with my appreciation of her skills.

“And the other dresses?” I ask.

“The trunk is packed and waiting for you on the launchpad,” she says. When she catches me eyeing my tote bag, she adds, “If there is something more you’d like to bring, might I suggest you stow it in one of your pockets?”

The hidden pockets—of course.Since this isn’t the usual thieving Trip—or rather, it is, but with only one small Get I’m expected to bring back—I’d forgotten all about them. And as soon as Charlotte turns away, busying herself with gathering my clothes and my slab to be returned to my room, I slip the onyx shiv into a small pocket hidden inside my giornea.

Once I’m ready, I head for the launchpad, excited to see how Braxton might look in sixteenth-century attire. But instead, I find Arthur surrounded by a bunch of tech guys who make their leave as soon as I approach.

“Have you narrowed down a location?” Arthur asks.

“I have some ideas,” I tell him. “But I won’t know for sure until I get there.”

“Do you need anything from me?”

“A copy of the map and the tarot cards might help.”

“You’ll find both inside your trunk.”

I nod.

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