Page 90 of I Ran Away to Evil 3
The palace did, in fact, have a bathhouse. More like a magical spa.
I’d chosen the Everglade treatment, which smelled like a eucalyptus scrub, and I was currently relaxing in a decorative stone bathtub while an aesthetician massaged my scalp. The lather of soap in my hair felt light and fluffy, and my whole body soaked in a warm bubble bath that smelled like the forest.
“Miss Gerda! Your hair isspectacular!” An elf attendant named Lucille admired my tresses as she ran a comb through my long braid-wavy locks.
“It is a lot of work, but worth it,” I spoke softly, my eyes closed. The stress of the day washed away, and I let myself relax. My jaw unclenched. I took slow and steady deep breaths, inhaling sharp pine-smelling undertones that cleared my sinuses. My shoulders dropped, my fingers straightened, and my body released the tension I had been holding in for far too long.
“If you could, I’d like about four inches off the bottom,” I requested.
“Just the dead ends?” Lucille picked up a new strand and ran the comb through it. The light pull on my scalp and the teeth of the comb on my head felt wonderful. “I can do that.”
Everything felt wonderful. I made a happy noise.
Lucille rinsed my hair outside of the tub. Magical water from her hands let her thoroughly clean my seemingly endless amount of thick long hair. When it was finished, she brought out rosemary oil and carefully worked it into the strands.
Even with magic, it took hours to wash, cut, and dry my hair, then rebraid it.
And after that, I had an hour-long back massage.
Dinnertime was in full force when I left the bathhouse. Instead of going down to the dining hall, I went straight back to my rooms. I had dinner in mystorage ring, and I wasn’t in the mood for socializing. I’d had a bit too much of people recently.
The thought of eating dinner with Julian flashed in my mind. The half elf had delivered me to the bathhouse in near shock at my request, and his momentary lack of control had been cute.
I’d stopped feeling nervous when he was in close proximity. Speaking with him was fun. Teasing him was a delight. And looking at him was a treat.
I sighed.
Tomorrow was going to be a test on my control.
Every year, four times a year, Grand Duchess Calisto held a seasonal ball. One in late spring, a masquerade in early summer, another ball in late autumn, and a winter feast on the longest night.
And before each event, there was an afternoon tea to greet debutantes and newcomers to the social sphere. Anyone worth knowing by birth or level would be invited to Calisto’s tea party on their welcome into society.
I was apparently considered both now that my secret identity had been revealed.
To get ready, I’d chosen a soft gown with a thick-backed white corset on my torso covered in delicate lace. The sleeves were long, loose see-through lace that came together in a band at my wrist. I had a silk beige belt where the built-in corset ended at my waist. The dress skirt was pleated and came down to my calf, showing off tiny white heels with fairytale-like lace ribbons that wound up my legs. The ties were at the knee, and not visible beneath the skirt.
I wore drop earrings, a single point with seven thin strips of white gold bangles that dangled down halfway to my shoulders. Whenever I moved just so, they clinked together gently and drew the eye. White was a striking color against my green skin. To compliment the look, I added white gold charms to my braids and then pulled them into a half updo.
I would admit I was nervous and took longer than I thought I would. I had to rush to the meeting hall where the debutantes all met ahead of time.
“Miss Gerda.” A servant came up to greet me when I arrived. “Please feel free to mingle until the duchess arrives. If you do not have a partner, do not worry. There are an even number of guests, and everyone will have a chance to pair up.”
“Thank you.” I nodded, taking a step off to the side of the group.
I didn’t see Julian.
There were around twenty other people milling about in pairs already or joining in introductions and finding a partner to walk inside with.
Lady Amy immediately caught my attention. She was on the opposite end of the palace lobby, standing beside the entrance to the east wing. The elf was arguing quietly with a young man as he held her fast by the arm. The human hadtousled finger-length brown hair. Unfortunately, he was facing the other way, so I couldn’t see his face.
I knew that Lady Amy could handle herself, but I didn’t like the fact that she’d tried to wrest herself free once and he’d held on. I was walking their way even before I started eavesdropping.
“If you can’t, then why are we even having this conversation?” The elf looked like she was going to cry. Or punch something. Or both. “I’m not saying I’m judging you, but—”
“Isn’t thatexactlywhat you’re saying?” The man let go of her and took a step back.
“No, I just—”
