Page 60 of How to Dump a Vampire

At the modiste, I stand awkward and self-conscious as the plump seamstress fusses over my ballgown’s adjustments. The sumptuous emerald and black velvetcreation seems designed for a far loftier lady than I, but Audrey insists it complements my coloring perfectly.

“Simply stunning,” she proclaims once the final pins are in place. “Prince Draven will be utterly speechless when he sees you in this.”

I duck my head as an involuntary flush warms my pale cheeks. Audrey’s knowing look tells me she notices, but she tactfully keeps any teasing at bay. I feel a rush of gratitude for her perceptiveness. There are some matters I do not yet have words for, even to myself.

The seamstress packages up the ballgown with promises to have it delivered to the castle by tomorrow. Audrey then draws me eagerly toward one last stop—another dressmaker she commissioned to outfit me with even more day dresses suitable for court.

My protests over such unnecessary indulgence die on my lips at the sincere delight in Audrey’s eyes. Clearly, my acceptance of these gifts means something to her, so I swallow my unease and allow the whirlwind to continue.

A beautiful blonde assistant urges me to try on a gown specially made at Prince Draven’s request.Unable to resist peeking at the handiwork, I slip behind the changing screen with the dress in hand.

It proves to be a dream confection of rich burgundy velvet, cinched at the waist with a silver silk sash embroidered with delicate frosted ferns and icicles. The square neckline is trimmed with antique lace and tiny seed pearls like freshly fallen snow. As I smooth my hands over the corseted bodice, I find inner seams lined with discreet flexible boning to support my subtle curves. The full skirts fall in elegant ripples reminiscent of snow drifts, concealing cunning slits to allow freedom of movement. I slip into a pair of heels that both match beautifully and make me want to throw them. I haven’t worn heels since I was last in this court. They are something I most definitely haven’t missed.

Twirling slowly before the mirror, I can scarcely recognize myself. The gown transforms me into a court lady of refined elegance and taste, utterly unlike the wild, feral creature who roams the mist-veiled, snow-laden forests, concealing herself in winter’s shadows.

I wonder what prompted Draven to choose such a creation for me, when my true nature must seemso contrary to this civilized facade. Does he see something in me beyond the wary vagrant exiled to the icy wilderness for so long? Some hidden potential waiting to unfurl like the first flower after the thaw?

Voices sound just outside the curtained alcove, jolting me from my pensive thoughts. I turn at the familiar timbre drawing near, my borrowed finery rustling softly with the motion.

“We have everything well in hand. There’s no need to trouble yourself,” comes Audrey’s lilting voice.

“It’s no trouble, I assure you.” The smile is audible in Draven’s smooth reply. “I wished to check that the dressmaker followed my requests properly for the lady.”

My breath stills. Speak of the devil, it seems. The fates conspire at every turn to entangle our paths.

“Thorn is just changing now if you’d like to see how it fits,” the blonde chirps eagerly.

Before I can object, the curtain whisks back, revealing me in all my bejeweled splendor.

I freeze beneath Draven’s intense silver gaze, pinned in place like a butterfly beneath a collector’s needle. Heat blooms across my cheeks, no doubt staining them pink. Curse this fair complexion!

“Exquisite,” he murmurs, eyes trailing over me slowly. “You look beautiful, Thorn.”

The genuineness in his tone flusters me further. I am no lady, only masquerading as one in this dress, but the way Draven looks at me makes me wish his imaginings were true. It makes me want to become the woman he apparently sees behind my feral facade.

I dip into a wobbly curtsey to disguise my turmoil. “You have a discerning eye, Your Highness. The gown is… beyond compare.” I cringe internally at how breathless my voice sounds. Get a hold of yourself!

A hint of a dimple flashes as Draven grins. “The beauty wearing it enhances its splendor.”

Audrey makes a small amused noise while I flounder speechlessly. Blast this infernal thirst robbing me of my wits! I settle for dropping my eyes demurely, despite wanting to glare at his smug, handsome face. Insufferable rogue.

“Yes, well, I think that’s everything we need here for now,” Audrey interjects smoothly, sparing me the need to formulate a clever retort. Bless her tact. “Shall we continue our excursion to the jeweler next? Keep that on, dear. We can have them send back your dresswhen they deliver the rest of them. It would be a shame to take it off so quickly.”

I nod and can’t help admiring myself in the mirror, wondering how on earth I’ll manage dancing in these fancy heels, when there’s a knock. In pops Lord Anthony’s sunny face.

“There you are, Lady Audrey! Care to grab lunch with me? I had a few things I wanted to run past you before tomorrow,” he asks with a meaningful look that says this is not just any pleasant stroll.

Audrey pinks up prettily. “I would be delighted!” she chirps at him. She turns to me with an apologetic smile. “You don’t mind if Prince Draven escorts you to the jewelers instead do you? I’m sure he has an excellent eye to help you choose some accessories.”

Before I can reply, the prince speaks, “It would be my absolute pleasure.” His silvery gaze settles on me, and my traitorous heart does a little flutter. Honestly, this man!

With a grateful curtsey to the prince, Audrey sweeps out on Anthony’s arm, clearly eager to have him alone. She shoots me a significant look over her shoulder as they go.

Hilarious, fate, leaving me alone with my inconvenient crush who I’m desperately trying not to fall for. Just brilliant.

I dip into a courtesy, aiming for poise but nearly toppling on these blasted heels. “Shall we?”

Draven smiles and offers his arm, silver eyes dancing with amusement as I wobble slightly.Oh, you just love this, don’t you?I internally grumble at him as we head off toward the jewelers. The one place I need to be is the apothecary for more ingredients for my tea, but nope, stuck here playing dress up with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Dangerous. I will get my revenge on Fate the first chance I get.

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