Page 228 of The Wishing Game

Thea's expression falls.

"Please do not mention him again in her presence. I don't want her to entertain the possibility that..." She takes a deep breath. "He is not for her. She will understand that eventually."

I don't reply, though I very much doubt it. I saw the way Wyn's expression changed the moment she mentioned Aethon's name. The girl is in love with him.

The door to the changing room opens and Wyn steps out in a majestic light blue gown. The bodice is the shape of a heart, a corset hugging her torso. Two dark blue straps mold to her shoulders, the sleeves a shimmery but sheer material that falls down her arms, leading to the floor. A pretty dark blue bow is wrapped around her waist, after which the skirt flares in a bell shape. The top layer is made of the same light blue as the bodice, but underneath there are three other layers of tulle, all a darker blue.

The pièce de résistance, however, is the embroidery. There's a dark blue dragon that starts from the base of the skirt, coiling up her body until it reaches her chest, its head resting lovingly on top of her breasts.

"Wyn...you..." Thea's eyes widen as she takes in her sister.

Wyn has a guilty expression on her face as she averts her gaze, looking down at her dress and biting her lip.

"This is absolutely gorgeous," I say, still in awe.

"It is not." Thea grits her teeth. "Do you realize that everyone will know the reference, Wyn?"

"I... I like it," Wyn whispers softly.

"Take it off," Thea suddenly demands. "Take it off and burn it. If anyone sees this... Goodness, Wyn, you will be disgraced before you even make your debut."

Wyn blinks back tears as she glances at her sister, her hands fidgeting uncomfortably in front of her.

"Did my mother approve this?" she asks the seamstress.

"Y-yes," she answers meekly.

"Oh, I don't think so. She didn't see the embroidery, did she?" Thea asks in a cutting voice.

"What's going on?" I whisper.

"Aethon is not just one of the most celebrated generals of Aperion," she starts in a scathing tone. "He is also the only blue dragon in existence. That, right there"—she points to the embroidery—"is the boldest statement I've ever seen. And I won't be the only one to think so. You promised me, Wyn," Thea adds in exasperation. "This will ruin your reputation. Take it off."

Wyn shakes her head.

"It's my ball, Thea," she protests. "I thought at least you would support me."

"Wyn, I would support you in anything but this. Not when it's your reputation at stake."

The bell to the shop rings. Glancing at the door, I note three women coming inside, all dressed in expensive dresses, their features stained by arrogance as they barely spare a glance at the staff.

The middle one, a dark-haired woman around my age, scans the shop until her gaze lands on Thea and Wyn, her dark blue eyes gleaming insidiously.

Her lips twitch as she gives a signal to the other two girls to follow her.

"Mrs. Bali, I specifically requested this time for my appointment," she starts in a haughty tone, her eyes narrowed at the seamstress currently helping Wyn with her dress.

"Your Highness, I am sorry. I already told you I was booked for this hour. Lady Sigmore will not take much longer. Why don't you come back in an hour? I will be able to attend you then."

"No," she replies resolutely. "I want to have my fitting now."

"Your Highness, as you can see, I am busy with a client..."

"Her?" The woman cuts her off as she assesses Wyn's gown, the corners of her mouth curling in disgust. "You might as well cut your appointment short. There's nothing anyone can do that is going to spare her the embarrassment with that gown."

"Elora..." Wyn seethes, her hands balled into fists. "You're going too far."

"Am I?" Elora smirks. "I'm not the one commissioning a gown with a blue dragon for my debut." She laughs. "As if General Aethon would ever look at someone like you."

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