Page 44 of The Fated and the Damned
Kitarni
Thedresswasthemost beautiful thing I’d ever seen. A combination of expert sewing and magic, courtesy of my dear sister and mother, in a fashion that was daring and wholly unique to the court. The sage bodice was tight, highlighting every curve from the dip at my breasts before it pooled out at the waist. Though sleeveless, a sheer cape covered most of my arms, the back spilling into a train behind me.
It was the detail that took my breath away. Eszter had magicked lavender and pale pink rosebuds across the gown in a starburst pattern and, I didn’t know what it was, but something made the material shimmer with every swish of the dress.
My hair was pinned at the sides, spilling obediently down my waist in gentle curls—a nice change from the wild mess it usually was. They’d outdone themselves—from using my favourite colours to incorporating the sentiment of the lavender, to whatever magical spells had allowed them to create such a beautiful thing.
They’d had to have been working tirelessly to get it done in time and a pang of guilt fired through me.
It was perfection … And it damn near made me cry.
“Oh darling,” Mama said, her own cheeks wet as she perused me. “You are an image of the Goddess herself.”
My cheeks reddened. “Mama,” I said sheepishly. “Even you can’t really mean that.”
“Of course I do, I am your mother! It’s my right to declare you the most beautiful woman in the world.” She put an arm around Eszter’s shoulder and smiled. “One of two, at least.”
I grinned, embracing them both in a warm hug. We nestled into each other, just the three of us, taking a long moment to simply be together as a family. Something we might not have the luxury of doing for much longer.
When I pulled away, I looked long and hard at them, burning the image of their faces into my mind’s eye. “I love you both. You give selflessly, never thinking of your own needs. The world doesn’t deserve your goodness, but I must ask more of it now.”
“Anything,” Eszter said softly.
I took a deep breath. “There are things in motion that I cannot stop. The wheel of Fate keeps turning, and some of my actions will have consequences even I can’t predict. I want you both to know that no matter what happens, I will keep you safe. Dante, Lord Sándor, they will both protect and house you. And”—I swallowed, lifting my chin—“I need to know that if I’m not … around … you will lead the witches. I don’t trust Iren to do so selflessly, so you will both need to step up as Acting High Witches. Erika will do whatever she can to help.”
My sister’s face fell. “Kit …”
“Promise me, Eszter. Now, more than ever, I need people I can trust in my corner.”
She nodded, her brown eyes—the mirror image of Mama’s—emboldened and fierce. “You have my word.”
Mama took my hands in her own, a sad smile on her face. “You need never ask. I willalwayslook out for you.”
I sighed, feeling a weight lift from my chest. It was unfair to ask this of them, knowing there would only be one reason for my absence. Both knew I’d only ever forsake them if Sylvie won the war or Death came to collect me.
The door banged open and András swept in, Margit by his side. András’s eyes practically bulged out of his head and Margit looked on, scrutinising, then nodding in approval.
“By the goddess’s blessed breasts, you’re a vision.”
Margit offered a rare, unrestrained grin. “What my dear, daft András means to say is you look beautiful, Kitarni.”
Mama watched us all with a strange smile on her face, her eyes welling up again. She cleared her throat, ducking her head to hide her emotions. “I’ll let you all have a moment. I’ll see you at the altar, Kitarni.” Quieter, so only I could hear, she said, “I love you my fire girl. And I’m so proud of you.”
I sniffed, realising this was probably the first time in many years she’d seen me like this. At ease, smiling and laughing with friends. With … family. People who’d taken me in without a second thought, tucking me under their wings and teaching me to fly. Or perhaps it was the fact that she might not see us all like this again.
András took my hand and placed a chaste kiss to my knuckles, bowing extravagantly as he did. I snorted. He was the best dressed here, apart from me, of course. The man really did have a fondness for fine things. His blond hair was swept back neatly, his piercing green eyes standing out in a matching green tunic stitched with gold thread, his sword strapped to his waist and brown boots shining.
It was a little odd that we were all so clean for a change. If I was being honest, I kind of liked when he was dirty and covered in the blood of our enemies. A little much? Maybe, but who cared? Between him and Dante, I’d done more than a little eye fucking since I’d met them both.
Not that I’d ever tell Dante that. The possessive prick would punish me for it—a thought that sent a little wave of excitement through me. Maybe Ishouldtell him. I shook my head slightly. Salivating over the man in front of my friends wasn’t on my agenda for the day.
Marryingthe wolf lord on the other hand …
My stomach flipped from nerves, my skin buzzing with frantic energy. This was really happening. I was marrying the lord-in-waiting of Mistvellen. Afraid I’d crumple into a tight ball I couldn’t roll out of, I focused on my friends instead, flexing my fingers.
“A fucking masterpiece, I’d say,” Margit was saying from behind me as she fussed with my dress. “This gown is truly something else. I’m rather jealous, in fact. You, Eszter, are welcome to be my seamstress anytime.”
My sister blushed, bowing her head. “It would be an honour.”
