Page 120 of Of Rime and Ruin
“What’s better than sex?”
I tap her nose. “You’ll see.”
Chapter forty-nine
Nahla
Heleavesmewithinstructions to wear something dazzling and meet him after sunset—for his better-than-sex plot to regain my favor.
Already, nervous eels slither within my stomach, and I catch myself staring at the door long after it’s closed behind him, wondering what the night may hold. Will he wine and dine me? Draw up a hot chocolate bath?
Soon enough, Deirdre arrives to help me with my wardrobe, and after four days, I taste freedom at last. She smiles encouragingly, holding the door wide open as I peer into the light.
“She has emerged!” Perrin gasps. “Thank the goddess.”
“Pleased to bring you some entertainment tonight, Sir Perrin.” I drop into my sassiest curtsy, and he laughs. My heartbeat launches into my throat, fluttering nervously as I step into the hallway.
Four fucking days.Will Aethan force me back in here, after this is all over? Or has he seen the error of his ways?
“You’re in for a real treat tonight,” Deirdre says, her eyes sparkling. “This way, love. We’ll get you cleaned up for the ball.”
Deirdre leads the way, and Perrin trails us, whistling a happy tune.
Warning lifts my scales. It’s too good to be true—sudden freedom, Aethan making amends through dancing. The strategy screamsWinonato me. Clean me up, give me a pretty dress, and make me perform for the spectators. How many strangers will I have to charm tonight?
My legs stretch out, muscles warming. Shit, it feels good to walk over ten paces in a straight line. I bristle.Asshole.His plan had better be phenomenal. I told him I’m difficult to impress, and I’m sticking to it.
We enter a grand dressing room, and my breath catches. An elegant vanity sits in the middle of the room, lit by a glittering chandelier. Brushes, pins, and rouge are organized in little golden containers in front of the mirror. A rich red rug sprawls on the floor, leading to a walk-in closet at the far end, stuffed with lace and silk.
“Now, you sit here.” Deirdre pushes me into the velvet-cushioned chair. Air exhales from the pillow as I sit. “Hair up? Down?” Her fingers lift and play with my hair, and a tingle crosses my scalp. “Half and half?”
Then she attacks my head with a hundred hairpins, transforming my unruly curls into an updo fit for a queen. As she works, I grip the chair and clench my teeth.
My handmaid back home, Elodie, always had soft fingers. Deirdre uses the brutal force of a Frost mermaid, efficiently pulling my hair into position within ten minutes flat.
A fucking ball. This is the king’s idea of fun. Better than sex, he assured me. Clearly, I’ve fallen for an idiot.
But at least I’m out of that room.
With a slow inhale, I push the anger away for now. Tonight could be fun, if I let it. Maybe I’ll make new friends with the other ladies. Or dance with so many males, Aethan will boil over and scream like a kettle. That’d be fun to watch.
I’ll keep my expectations low and relish whatever comes my way. This room is gorgeous, and I can enjoy a little pampering for a change. Right?
Finally, Deirdre releases my head and steps back to survey the final product. She catches my eye in the mirror and smiles. “You look lovely, my dear.”
“You think so?” Softness fills my reflection. My dark eyes are bright, skin flushed, cheekbones full and round. Candlelight kisses my complexion, giving me an ethereal glow. I look happy. Pretty. Adorned with a diamond-studded comb, my coffee-colored hair collects in a loose top bun, with a few ringlets left to frame my face. Pink gloss coats my lips, moving to form my answering smile.
Deirdre squeezes my shoulders. “Iknowso. Simply stunning.”
“Thank you.” I touch the ringlets, careful not to disturb the curls. “Will there be many people there, did he say? The last time I attended a ball didn’t…”
I stare at the handle of a gilded hairbrush. Winona loves throwing balls, the more lavish the better. Like the one she threw for me on the news of my invitation to the Coral Kingdom. I threw a fit and drowned myself in booze in protest of her pageantry. All to escape a land-bound existence tied to the whims of a foreign king. Yet here I am.
“Let’s just say my sister wasn’t happy with me,” I finish. Can Deirdre see the guilt in my eyes?
She laughs. “It was a last-minute plan for me to pull together. I’m afraid it’s only the two of you tonight.”
“Oh.” My shoulders drop in relief. “How unusual.”
