Page 80 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

“Come in,” Callan told her. “You will serve Princess Aurelia from Sevanwinds—whatever she needs.”

“Of course, Your Highness.” She took a step forward, head still lowered as if bracing for a reprimand.

But Callan ignored her, saying to me, “I’ll leave you to get dressed. My father will want to see you at dinner, and I’d hate for us to keep him waiting.”

I nodded.

Callan hesitated at the door, his gaze lingering on me as if he was about to say something more. Instead, he flashed another one of those charming smiles. “I’ll be back soon.”

And with that, he was gone, the door closing behind him with a soft click.

I stood there for a moment, my mind racing. The luxury of the room suddenly felt stifling. I glanced at the bed, the thick rugs, the tapestries that seemed to watch me with their golden threads. It was beautiful—no question—but it wasn’t home.

The maid finally lifted her head, studying me nervously. “Shall we prepare for dinner, Your Highness?”

I sighed. “I’m not sure we have a choice,” I said, earning a flicker of surprise.

But she nodded and carried my bag to the wardrobe, pulling out the gowns I’d brought with me. I didn’t miss the concern on her face as she studied the fabric that had once been the best coin could buy. Now, it was probably outdated, though hopefully, it would work for at least one night with the king.

No matter what deal I’d struck with Callan, the truth wasI needed the king’s blessing to seal it. Callan hadn’t said so, but I knew enough about royal politics to understand this dinner was so much more than an introduction. It was an interview.

A single chance for acceptance.

Without Duron’s blessing over our alliance, I’d be tossed out on the street, alone in the realm against a dark army and its queen who would stop at nothing to destroy me. The truth was that I needed Autumn much more than they needed me. And I was willing to do a Hel of a lot to get what I needed.

The dress had to be right.

“What’s your name?”

The maid looked up, startled. “Um, Vanya, Your Highness.”

“Please, call me Aurelia.”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly.” Her cheeks heated, and she looked down at the dress.

But I pressed on, needing at least one friend in this dreary place. “The gown is a bit older, I know. Do you think it will work for dinner with the king?”

Vanya looked up. She searched my expression in what felt like some sort of silent interrogation then finally seemed to relax. “It’s not a current fashion, but… I have some ideas,” she said carefully.

I smiled encouragingly. “I’d love to hear them.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Aurelia

The sun had set by the time Vanya finished helping me dress. A night sky brilliant with stars pressed in against the window, leaving a chill on the glass. The fire’s warmth and light chased it away.

“Vanya, you’re a genius,” I declared as I studied my reflection in the mirror beside the armoire.

She ducked her head, her cheeks flushing. “Thanks.”

In a short time, she’d transformed the gown into something even more beautiful. The bodice was made of silk stitched into lace, fitting my torso in flattering detail. The gauzy skirt swished but in an understated way. She’d even taken a few discarded beads and placed them on a headband she’d pressed into my upswept hair.

“A tiara for the princess,” she’d said.

It was perfect.

“Wow, this makes me wish I’d brought more of my clothes from home,” I said.

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