Page 108 of Crown of Slumber

“I know, miss.”

“Well, Cela, I know this is… a unique opportunity for us both. But I swear I mean you and your people no harm while I am here. I wish to experience the culture of your kingdom and learn more about your customs. Do you think you can help me with that?”

Cela blinked once, then nodded quickly. “Yes, miss.”

“Excellent. I think for now, we should try the navy dress. In the meantime, can I send for a modiste or seamstress to make me a custom gown for the fete tonight?”

Cela’s eyes flared wide. “The… The Summer Princess wishes to attend our fete?”

I frowned, unsure why this was so shocking. Perhaps Fenn hadn’t yet formally announced our engagement. Choosing my words carefully, I said, “Yes. Prince Fenn has invited me, and I’m most eager to attend. I’ve heard nothing but delightful things about it.”

Cela cleared her throat, wringing her hands together once more. “It is only… Well, begging your pardon, miss, but we have not had our fete in a few weeks now because of the attacks.”

My stomach dropped. Yes, of course, Fenn had mentioned as much. How could I have forgotten? I found myself nodding and saying, “Of course, of course. Forgive me for the presumption. Even so, I would like to get a gown ordered for this evening, if possible. Can you arrange this for me?”

Cela nodded again, pulling out the navy dress and draping it over her arm. “Of course, miss. What color would you like?”

I glanced over the remaining fabric in the wardrobe, considering this. “Something warmer in tone, perhaps?”

Cela nodded, her eyes brightening. “I was thinking as much, miss. Perhaps a soft rose gold, to complement our silvers but also to go with your features as well.”

I beamed at her. “That sounds perfect.” I stepped around her, fingering the soft silk of a silver gown. As I pulled it loose, I looked over the simple design. Two long swaths of fabric covered the bodice, leaving a large space between the breasts and the back completely exposed. There was no corset or petticoats. The skirt seemed to shimmer in the light as I moved it.

I smiled. “Something like this one would do.”

Cela curtsied once more. “Of course, miss. Let me help you out of your shift.”

It took the better part of an hour for Cela to prepare me. The gown itself had been simple to put on; the fabric was light and soft against my skin, with a low-cut neckline, leaving my collarbone bare. The lacy cape sleeves covered my arms, the sparkling fabric extending past my elbows and falling nearly to my feet. Small gaps in the fabric allowed my arms to move freely. The diamond-studded skirt was thin and shifted with every movement, making the gown sparkle.

But my hair took the most amount of time. Cela worked through my tangles, her movements patient and tender. When my hair fell in soft, clean waves down my back, she pinned it up in chunks, securing each curl with a diamond pin until my hair formed an elegant knot at the top of my head. She loosened a few, letting them rest against my cheeks, and then placed a diamond tiara on my head. The final touch was a simple necklace with a long row of diamonds that trailed from my collarbone to the top of my breasts.

It was a bit excessive. I seemed more like a shiny butterfly than anything. But I did indeed look like a queen.

Cela stepped back to admire her work, all unease and uncertainty gone, her hands resting casually at her sides. “A vision, miss. You look like you belong in our court.”

I turned my head from side to side, the diamond earrings swaying as I did so. I looked… almost unrecognizable. I didn’t think the silver and diamonds would suit my skin tone, but with the powder Cela applied to my cheeks, softening the rosiness, it did seem to bring the ensemble together.

“You have done fabulous work, Cela,” I breathed, trying to ignore the knots of anxiety tightening in my chest. “Truly marvelous.”

Cela blushed and curtsied. “Thank you, miss. Shall I show you to the dining hall? I believe a spread of lunch is being served now.”

I rose from the stool, smoothing my hands along my skirts. “Is Prince Fenn there?”

Cela frowned. “I don’t believe so. Last I heard, he and the queen were speaking privately in the throne room.”

My blood ran cold at that.Shit.Queen Sonara was known for her brutal and unforgivable nature. If she and Fenn were speaking privately, that couldn’t be good.

I lifted my chin. “Then, take me to the throne room, please.”

Cela balked. “M-miss, I cannot! There are guards keeping the doors closed to avoid interruptions.”

“All you must do is guide me to the throne room,” I assured her. “I will take it from there. If the guards turn me away, then so be it. I only ask that you show me the way, and then you can go about your day.”

Cela gnawed on her lower lip as she considered this. After a moment, she nodded once. “Very well, miss. I will show you the way.”

Mother had not been pleasedupon our arrival. But this wasn’t entirely surprising, given the state of us. Aurelia had passed out from her injuries, and I had burst into the castle, demanding for our healer. No pleasantries. No welcome. Certainly not what Aurelia and I had planned.

But none of that mattered. I needed her safe. I needed her cared for. We could smooth things over later.

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