Page 128 of A Dagger in the Ivy

“Do it again,” he says, his voice calm but filled with curiosity.

Hesitantly, I reach out again, and just like before, the pot shifts farther away, as if repelled by my presence. The tingling sensation I’ve been feeling all day intensifies, swirling through me like a current of energy.

Ezra leans closer, examining the space between my hand and the pot. “It’s connected to that tingle you’ve been feeling,” he murmurs, almost to himself. “I suspect it’s the magic emanating from you.”

Emanating? My heart skips a beat, contemplating what this means. The tingle hums steadily in my veins.

“Try it once more,” Ezra instructs. “This time, try to control it. Pull the energy back, rein it in, and then see if you can take hold of the pot.”

I nod, though uncertainty twists in my gut. I concentrate, trying to visualize the energy inside me, trying to pull it back, to suppress it. The tingling dulls slightly, like a wave receding, and I reach out again. The pot stays in place this time. Slowly, carefully, I close my fingers around it and lift it from the desk.

“Good!” Ezra nods approvingly, though there’s a hint of concern in his eyes. “You managed to control it, but it’s clear that you’re only just beginning to understand what’s happening.”

I exhale slowly, the weight of the pot in my hand grounding me. “But how do I really control it?”

Ezra rubs his chin thoughtfully. “I’ll add this to my list of things to research. We’ll need to train, experiment… but not now. I do believe you have to get ready.”

I glance at the sunlight coming in through the door, realizing how late it’s getting. There’s so much more I want to ask, but time is against us. “Another day, then,” I say, though I’m not sure when that day willcome. “Thank you, Ezra.”

Ezra gives me a reassuring smile. “We’ll figure this out, Celeste. For now, just be mindful of that energy. It might react when you least expect it.”

CHapter

Forty-Seven

Nadya and Indira bustle around me, their deft hands adjusting the intricate details of my gown. I stand in front of the full-length mirror, the reflection of the frowning woman staring back at me almost unrecognizable. The deep-purple dress clings to my frame, the luxurious fabric shimmering under the candlelight. The bodice is adorned with delicate embroidery, ivy leaves woven in silver thread that trail down the skirt, giving the impression of vines wrapping around me.

The sleeves are sheer, ethereal, and the neckline is just low enough to be elegant without being scandalous. My hair, usually tied back in a practical braid, is now styled into an elaborate updo, small tendrils escaping to frame my face. Around my neck hangs the necklace Torbin gave me, matching the earrings that dangle from my ears.

Indira steps back, her eyes critical as she surveys her work. “You look stunning, Your Highness. Like a true queen.”

Nadya nods in agreement, but her eyes are soft with concern as she meets my gaze in the mirror. “Breathe, Celeste.”

I try to take a deep breath, but it feels like there’s a vise around my chest. Torbin’s words echo in my mind, a constant reminder of theconsequences if I were to flee. I can’t let my people down. I can’t let myself be seen as weak.

“Just one more piece, Your Highness.” Indira hands me a velvet box.

I take it from her but don’t open it yet. “What’s this?”

“The prince instructed me to give this to you. He said you should wear it.” Indira smiles at me. It’s a bittersweet sight because she rarely smiles, but she doesn’t know about the hidden agendas hiding beneath the mask of the engagement.

I open the small, velvet box, and even though I dread what it symbolizes, I can’t help but admire the ring inside. A large emerald, as green and vibrant as the forests of Hedera, sits at the center, its deep color mesmerizing. Surrounding it is a halo of tiny diamonds, each one sparkling like dew on morning leaves. The band, crafted from silver filigree, winds delicately around the emerald, forming intricate patterns that are both elegant and timeless. It’s a ring fit for a queen, designed to dazzle and command attention—a future I never fucking wanted.

Indira watches me expectantly, and I force a smile, though inside I feel the weight of what this ring represents. The emerald glints up at me, a cruel reminder of the life I’m being coerced into. I slip it onto my finger, the cool metal heavy and foreign against my skin. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it’s also a symbol of my entrapment, a polished and perfect representation of the chains that bind me to Torbin.

“Thank you, Indira.” I give her a small nod. “I think I’m all set now. You did a magnificent job.”

“It was my pleasure, Your Highness.” With a look of pride on her face, Indira gathers the supplies and leaves me and Nadya alone in my chambers.

“Nadya, I don’t know if I can do this,” I whisper. “Pretending everything is fine, playing the role they want me to play, knowing that there’s a war coming that no one is prepared for.”

“Your squad must have found the camp by now.” She places a reassuring hand on my arm. “They must be on their way. You just have to keep up the ruse a bit longer. When your uncle and your squad can back you up, you can take action and end this game of pretend.”

I know she’s right. I let out a sigh, steeling myself to get through this engagement celebration. If I’m lucky, we can get through it quickly, and then I can retreat to my room.

“Are you ready?” Nadya asks. “I’ll be right here beside you. Or as close as Torbin will allow, anyway.”

“Yeah.” I look down at the ring again. “Actually, can I have a minute alone? I’ll be right out.”

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