Page 65 of A Blightress of Wrath
Ilooked mostly like her with the same blue eyes, the same golden curls.Butwhere her skin was pale, mine held a darker hue.I’dalways tanned easily, and every summer my skin became darker in theFelgrensummer sun, closer to my father’s.
“Andyou’re beautiful as always,Mother.”Ikissed her cheek and stepped past, ready to move on from our conversation and go to dinner, pretending my heart wasn’t a wounded, bloody mess.
Chapter32
Saelyn
Mymother dismissedAmayabeforeIcould protest and gestured to the balcony chair to finish my hair.Islumped into it, bracing for the impact of her scolding.
Shewas already dressed in a long black gown with a sheer white collar.Thevested front would still identify her as aBaron, thoughIdoubted that was needed with her famous black eyes and flowing white hair.
“Youare beautiful,LittleLove,” she started, her voice soft and kind.
Iswallowed. “Thankyou,Mother.”
Sheheaved a heavy sigh, andIfelt the tremble in her fingers as she pinned another curl into the top of my dark braid. “There’sso muchIstill need to tell you.I’msorryIhaven’t had much time, but after the events tonight, we can rest here and talk of the past.”Shefinished my hair and smiled down at me, the slightest flicker of green forcing its way into the depths of her dark stare. “Youmust have questions.”
“OfcourseIhave questions.I—”Istopped, lifting my chin, remembering my promise not to be angry with her. “Iam ready to listen when you’re ready to speak.”
Herface fell slightly, but she nodded. “Come, let’s get you into your gown.”
Followingher into my room, she pulled a gown from the closet, admiring how it sparkled.
Itilted my head as she unfastened the buttons in the back. “Aren’tyou going to scold me?Forleaving withThevintoday?”
Shesmirked, helping me out of my skirts. “Notthis time.Ihope you both had an adventure today you’ll remember always.”
Shocked,Iopened and closed my mouth like an aurum fish. “AndClairanniatold you everything that happened?”
Shenodded, gesturing for me to step into the delicate fabric.Itiptoed into the sheath of the dress and she carefully pulled it up over my shoulders.Itwas a daring piece, but asAmayahad assured me, at the highest fashion of theSpire.
Mymother fastened the buttons at the back, explaining, “Idid speak toClairannia, and yes,Iunderstand what happened today.YouandThevinare young.It’spast time you get to go on adventures outside ofFelgren.Besides, theBlightressdoesn’t know you’re here, and this city is safe.”
Iwas rendered speechless, not at all expecting this response.Igrinned back at her through the dressing mirror as she finished the last button and swept her hands over my arms. “I’mexcited.Fortonight,Imean.”Istudied myself in the mirror, admiring the color of the fabric, the placement of the braid woven in a crown atop my head, and the way the curves of my breasts and hips accentuated the long lengths of my waist and legs.Iwasn’t quite as tall as my mother, but taller than most womenI’dmet.
Shesmiled back at my giddy reflection. “Nowlet’s talk about the events of the night.”
“Oh,Ialready know!”Iexclaimed, searching the closet for my soft velvet shoes that made me at least two inches taller.Theywere tricky to walk in, butAmayahad shown me how to adjust my weight on my feet. “Amayaalready went over everythingIneed to know.She’sbeen a wonderful help!”
“Everything?” my mother asked.Icaught the disappointment in her voice. “EventheCeremonial?—”
“Dance, yes, all of it.Thedinner, the toasting, the gathering of theFour.”Ipaused. “Though, she knew less about that, but had some general ideas of what happens.”
“It’sjust a formal meeting of theFour.Although, one of us will not be there.”
Ifinished the buckles at my shoes and nodded, reaching out my hand to her. “I’mready when you are,Mother.”
Shegave me a dazzling smile, took my hand in hers, and we left to begin our evening.
* * *
Weentereda room toward the top of theSpirewith more arched open windows that surrounded whatIassumed was a dining hall.Along table glistened with dinnerware in various shades of the roofs of theSpire.Afew dozen people milled about, some with drinks in hand, waiting for the dinner to begin.
LadyLannaspotted us at once, hovering near the doorway as if in waiting.Shesprinted toward us, her arms wide, her mouth open in surprise at my gown. “Saelyn!”Shepulled me into a genuine embrace. “Ourfashions are most becoming on you and you alone!”Shevaguely gestured behind her, murmuring, “Youare the most beautiful creature here by far, andIbelieveI’mnot the only one who would say so.”Shewinked as ifIunderstood her comment and greeted my mother with a kiss on the cheek.
“TheViceroyis looking for you as always,BaronKarus,” she informed us, pulling my arm into the crook of her elbow and leading me away.
Istudied the women of the room, confirming that the gownIwore was in the standard of fashion.Istumbled slightly in my shoes andLannacaught me, whispering, “Ihate these damned shoes.”Shelifted the sheer hem of her silver gown to show me the similar style on her own feet. “Mymother refuses to let go of this tradition, but whenIamLadyof theSpire…” she trailed, shrugging.
