Page 16 of Court of Secrets and Flames

Though I don’t relish the thought of being poked, prodded, and dressed by strangers, a bath sounds fantastic. As does food. I haven’t eaten since Knox brought me dinner last night, and it must be pushing late afternoon now.

I nod, conceding to the inevitable.

The procession toward the bathroom, where steam is already rising from the monstrous tub, is a silent, graceful affair. Dropping my gown to the floor, I step into the bath. The heat laps at my senses, soothing me with warmth.

Rhiann enters with a tray of food. After quashing my initial protests that I’m perfectly capable of washing myself, she sets two maids to work on detangling and cleansing my hair, encouraging me to snack on cheese, ham, and fresh fruit. Other servants bring a steady procession of dresses for me to choose from.

Rhian checks my expression before dismissing each one. “Too ornate. Too fluffy. Too pale. Good gods, where did we find that dress? It looks like a giant potato sack.”

All the while, she scribbles notes in her little book, inventorying my tastes like a merchant appraising goods, and directs the exiting maids on which to bring next.

Finally, amidst the sea of rejected finery, I spot a gown that pulls a gasp from my lips. Floor-length with a plunging v-neck that joins to a simple a-line skirt with an attached narrow cape. The scarlet silk flows like captured sunset. But to me, its simplicity is the greatest allure. For some reason, the buttons along the neckline run across the back instead of the front.

“What about this one?”

For a fleeting moment, approval glints in Rhiann’s eyes.

Clean and robed in downy softness, I emerge from the bath rejuvenated. They lead me back, past the threshold into a room now stripped of its previous chaos.

I’m struck by the transformation when I step back into my bedroom. Order has replaced this morning’s frenzied disarray, and a wardrobe blooming with silks and velvets has replaced my soiled attire.

The bed boasts fresh linens, crisp and untouched.

A handmaid approaches and directs me to one of the cushioned chairs. Soon, the scented lotions she anoints me with seep into my pores. The rough state of my skin shows just how much my life has changed in only a few months.

Another attendant steps forward with a curious brush in hand. As she runs it through my damp locks, heat radiates through the bristles, coaxing my hair to dryness. It’s not merely a brush but a conduit for her magic, an elemental caress that leaves me impressed.

She possesses the same element as I do, yet I never once thought of using it this way. A heated metal comb absorbs the warmth from her magic, drying and straightening my hair at the same time.

Hopefully, the king wouldn’t make them go to all this trouble just to shove me in another arena or remove my head from my neck.

If I do meet my end, at least I’ll go out in style.

Rhiann approaches, holding the dress I chose. “Perhaps you’d like to try the gown now?”

The maids attending me back away, granting me space to step into the underclothes and then into the dress.

The scarlet silk slips over my skin, hugging my frame. “It’s…beautiful.”

“It’s perfect for you.” Rhiann inspects every line of the dress with the same dark brown eyes as Knox. “The color complements your complexion and hair.”

My face heats at her praise. “Thank you.”

With a soft knock on the door, two more women enter, carrying matching sets of jewelry.

Rhiann gestures to the array of gems. “Choose, my lady.”

I hold up my palms. “Oh no, I really couldn’t?—”

“The king insists. Do you want to disappoint him?”

What I want to do to the king isn’t fit for polite company. Rather than explaining that, I shake my head and weigh my options, understanding that each selection makes a statement. Fire opals beckon my fingers, the symbol of power, but also of fury and destruction. Wary of kindling flames I cannot control, I extend a hand, not toward the blaze, but the embers.

Red beryl set in silver. A choker with a matching bracelet. “These are pretty.”

“Interesting choice.” Rhiann flashes a genuine smile. “The precious gems most prized by Tirene.”

Oh, wonderful. That means if a clasp breaks and either the bracelet or necklace falls off, I’m basically screwed.

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