Page 43 of Chaos Tempted

“Then, yes, she would know,” Oakes finishes.

“I’m worried. What if Twyla isn’t as benevolent as she appears?” My eyes are wide with fear. “I still think we should warn King Nathaniel. What if she influences him to start a war?”

“Perhaps we should consider warning him.” Oakes nods. “Afterwe get through your ambassador ceremony, we will talk with Eldrin.”

Two lovely Elven females arrive after lunch at Eldrin’s quarters. Eldrin, Oakes, and Jaden watch from the sitting area. I stop pacing and smile warmly at the newcomers.

The door guard, Corwin, bows his head to Prince Eldrin and announces, “Hyacinth and Miriel are at your service.”

The females curtsy gracefully, quite a task with their arms full of clothing and baskets filled with beauty products.

“Hello, Hyacinth and Miriel.” I nod at them. “I hope I didn’t put you out too much with all this fuss.” I rush forward to help them with their load.

The females are surprised by my efforts but finally allow me to assist them.

“Thank you, Corwin.” Eldrin smiles and shoos the guard away. He turns to the attendants. “You can do your work in the main room, here with us.”

I notice each of the females slightly raise an eyebrow. They glance at the clothing I will have to undress for and then at all the supplies they brought. It’s clear they aren’t used to working with an audience.

“Whatever pleases you, Your Highness.” Hyacinth bows.

“I’m sure you have heard about the threat,” he explains. Although, as the prince, he doesn’t have to justify his behavior or requests. “We’d feel more comfortable if Wynstelle was near us.”

“We’d never hurt your mate,” Hyacinth says with alarm.

“I’m not accusing you personally. I’d simply prefer to err on the side of caution. It has been a rough couple of moons,” Eldrin says with a bit of exhaustion in his voice.

My heart aches that I’ve inadvertently caused his stress.

“Of course, Your Highness.” The female elves nod their heads in understanding.

“And Jaden and Oakes would protect you too if someone were to come in and attack all of us,” I add. “I would hate to see one of you injured so someone could get to me.”

Curious, Miriel tilts her head, obviously unsure of what to make of me. She quickly recovers and opens up her kit of hairbrushes and supplies. Then she places a chair in the middle of the room and invites me to sit. After inspecting my hair, she says, “Your hair has improved from when you first arrived.”

Apparently, she had been evaluating me from afar. “I suppose the difference is noticeable.” I touch my hair self-consciously. “Jaden gifted me with conditioning oils when he noticed I had no idea what to do with my mess of hair.”

“Very thoughtful.” As Miriel runs a brush through my long locks, she smiles genuinely. “And it has worked wonders.”

Jaden’s chest puffs up a bit of pride. Oakes smirks at his friend.

“I would like Wynstelle’s hair in an elegant up-do and simple make-up to highlight her natural beauty.” Eldrin peruses through the gowns that Hyacinth holds up for approval. He narrows it down to two purple gowns. “Which is your favorite?” he asks me.

I smile widely and suppress a giggle when I notice the color. “Will purple be my official color?”

“I believe it’s the color of royalty in the human realm. So, I find it fitting, since you will be the mortal’s royal representation here.”

I blush but don’t respond.

As Hyacinth holds the dress to me, she scrutinizes the look. “The color does flatter your skin tone.”

“You’re the expert,” I say sincerely. “I’ve never had the luxury of worrying about how I looked before. I trust whatever you think is best.”

Hyacinth locks eyes with me, assessing. “You aren’t what I imagined.”

“What did you imagine?” I ask, curious about her answer.

Hyacinth’s eyes dart to the prince, and she presses her lips together as if she now realizes how she blurted out a borderline rude comment.

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