Page 65 of Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King

It was a strapless ballgown with a structured gold branched bodice made of deep violet fabric that faded to ivory as it flared out into the skirt and then transformed into a richer blue violet. Gold embroidery formed branching tree patterns at the hem, and gold flecks dusted the bodice like falling stardust.

The shorter one nodded. “I’ve never seen one so beautiful as this before.”

“I can’t wear this.” Even though I itched to touch it, I couldn’t risk ruiningthat.

“You must.” The tallest servant clasped her hands. “The prince specifically sent this one to you.”

My heart stuttered, but I pushed the fluttering fool from my mind. Vad had probably picked everyone's dress, not just mine. Still, it would be rude to reject it. “Okay.”

Fuck. I’d never been a girly girl, but some part of me couldn’t believe I got to wear something this beautiful. And unlike the dress from today, this one was impossibly light.

The gray-robed servants giggled with excitement, gushing about how beautiful I would look and how the color would contrast so beautifully with my hair and eyes. Within minutes, they’d helped me into it.

Some sort of magic had to have been used to make this dress because it didn’t pinch my sides or squish my lungs. It was as light as the loose cornflower blue dress they’d given me yesterday and made the most delightful rustling sound when I moved, making me want to spin like a little girl.

They moved me in front of the mirror so I could see myself while the tall one dusted my face with a delicate brush, the second smoothed my hair, and the third tidied up. “You’re like a vision from the golden forests in the twilight mountains.”

“The prince won’t be able to look away,” the short one giggled.

My cheeks heated, and my spine tightened. No sense getting my hopes up. He was going to dance with Rhielle, Kaylen, and me, and they’d be looking even more gorgeous, I was sure of it, especially Kaylen. Hell, everyone would be.

They continued to fuss over me for a few minutes more, smoothing and stroking and cooing like I was some kind of doll. “So beautiful indeed,” said the tall one, beaming at me as if I were her own daughter. “Now. Open the second box when you are ready, and then proceed to the main hall. You’ll take the same path that you do to the Ascension Hall, but you’ll see where you’re to go. It’s very easy to find.”

“Good luck, miss!” the short one called.

“Enjoy yourself!” the slightly more slender one sighed.

They disappeared just as quickly as they had arrived, closing the door with a firmclickbehind them.

My stomach twisted with nervous energy, a thousand butterflies fluttering like the tattoo on my wrist. The fiery tattoo pulsed faster than before, the wings rippling underneath my skin.

Returning to the foot of the bed, I opened the second box. Once again, floral scents released into the air, coming from scented bags fastened into the corner of the box, but my breath caught in my throat.

The shoes were every bit as gorgeous as the dress and far more dangerous. I belly laughed. Did they really expect me to wear these? There’d better be some magic in them, because, beautiful as they were, I couldn’t imagine walking in them without tripping and crashing to my death, wolf shifter or not. But…with how good the dress felt and knowing the other fae would be wearing similar shoes, part of me wanted to try.

Besides, the heels could be used as weapons if I needed to defend myself.

They were crystal stiletto heels with realistic violet roses sculpted along the sides, and they laced to the lower calf like ballet slippers. The largest of the roses blossomed right at the ankle, and the sleek material was something I didn’t recognize.

I slipped them on, and my feet felt as if they were being hugged by a cloud. I smiled. Maybe therewasmagic in them because I didn’t find myself unsteady, and my toes didn’t hurt at all. The small clusters of roses and ribbons were sturdy and yet did not press against the most tender point of my calf.

Slowly, I turned in front of the mirror, my steps cautious at first. The skirt swished, and the floral perfume swirled around me. Even if no one danced with me, I could have fun spinning in this dress and hanging with my friends. We’d have a great time, even if Vad barely interacted with me. I didn’t need him or anyone.

My wolf whimpered at the thought, but I exhaled.No, we can’t be upset when Vad ignores me. Nothing good will come of it if he does, and besides, I need to go home…to my real home.

There was one more trial to go, and then he’d choose someone else to be his queen. It was best to focus on having the best time I could with my friends, though the thought of him touching someone else—anyoneelse—twisted like a blade in my stomach and made me want to kill even the imaginative girl.

No matter what, I wouldn’t let anyone see this affect me. He wasn’t mine and never would be. My wolf tried edging forward again, but I pushed against her. I didn’t even understand why she was acting this way. It wasn’t like Vad was my fated mate. He was a fae prince, for Fate’s sake.

Okay, I had to get out of here. My thoughts were upsetting me and making me spiral. I needed to be around people and maybe toss back a few drinks. I had this, but my wolf snuck another whimper in, making me want to pull the ends of my hair.

With a steadying breath, I strode out the door into the hall.

Rhielle had just stepped out of her room as well. She was a vision in a midnight-blue gown with diamonds fastened throughout the uppermost gauze on the skirt to create an effect like a starlit night. The ridged bodice cupped her breasts, shaped by lines of diamonds. An elegant matching cloak was fastened with clusters of diamonds to the gauzy shoulders of her gown, fluttering with each movement.

“Wow, look at you—” I stopped short when I saw the long, jagged, purple scar cutting across the column of her pale throat.

“Let them see it. I’m not here to impress anyone with my beauty.” Rhielle adjusted her cloak and then set her hand on her hip almost in a dare.

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