Page 12 of Fate and Flame
“Prince Fenlas has requested the seamstress to see to your wardrobe in the morning. For now, I’ve brought several items for you to try.” She watched me expectantly.
“I can dress myself, thanks. And a simple riding shirt and trousers will do just fine. I’m not fancy.”
“But you will be the queen one day,” she gasped. “You must dress appropriately.”
“Listen, lady. I don’t care what title everyone thinks I’ll be taking. For now, just keep it simple.”
She put her hands on her hips and stared me down. A picture of my mother flashed before me.“The prince likes blue, so shall we start with that?”
As if I hadn’t said anything at all.
“You and I are going to fight by the end of this day and that’s not a great thing for you,” I threatened.
“I appreciate the fire, I do. But I grew up in the southern kingdom. I can hold my own. Shall we fight now or later, my lady?”
I couldn’t help my laugh. Of course, he would send me the servant ready to throw down. “Trust me, you don’t want to go there. Show me what you brought.”
Her face reddened, but she bit her tongue and held the blue option out. There wasn’t much to it. Still, I put it on. The top was beaded fabric that ended below the bust, exposing my entire midriff. The bottom was a lightweight square fabric that Frair tied around my waist. I knew instantly I was going to have to be careful how I moved, or the slit that went from the floor to the waist was going to show the world my ass.
“I might as well just wear the towel down,” I grumbled and shifted in the chair she had ordered me to sit in.
“I’m sure the prince wouldn’t mind.” She smiled, brushing through my hair.
“I really can tend to myself. I don’t need help. I’m already going to be late.”
She yanked on another knot, jerking my head back. “It’s a lady’s prerogative to arrive when she wishes. You’re a far cry from the dirtball the prince walked into the castle with. Let me finish. I bet they won’t even recognize you. Did you know your hair is actually beautiful?”
“I’ll take that backhanded compliment.” I crossed my arms and huffed, throwing my back into the chair.
She nodded and continued ripping through my hair until all the knots were gone, and honestly, as she began to massage my head, I forgot she was pissing me off.
She braided my hair down my back and stepped away. “Well, it’s the best we can do for now. Tomorrow, we should try a few powders and a bit of rouge.”
“Hard pass.” I headed for the door. “Oh, shoes?”
She shook her head and smiled. I walked out and realized I had no idea which way I was going. I had to wait for her to lead the way, and for some reason, that annoyed me more than anything else. I didn’t like relying on others. She’d only have to show me one time though. I was still my father’s daughter.
I strolled into the kitchens to find everyone but Fen.Where are you?
Almost there,he answered.
The kitchens of the southern castle were not as elaborate as I’d thought they might be. Warm wood features, an alcove carved into the walls kept the room warm and cozy. Void of any windows the space, though dusted in flour, reminded me of an oversized version of the kitchen I’d grown up in.
“Holy. Shit. You’re a full-fledged female?” Kai asked, wiggling his eyebrows as he leaned over an island in the middle of the kitchen and took a bite out of a crisp apple.
“I’ll still kick your ass, Kai.” I glared at him.
“You could try.”
That was the southern motto. I couldn’t count how many times I’d heard it. As if none of them were scared of a thing. I bowed graciously to the king standing across the room and sat on a tall stool beside Greeve at the table in the middle of the kitchen probably meant for rolling dough.
“Loti,” the king said to a plump little female with tight brown curls and an apron tied around her. “This is Ara, Fenlas’s mate and my future daughter-in-law.”
Kai snorted, and I shot him a glare. Loti swung a towel at him, and he ducked to miss it.“Where are your manners, Kaitalen?” she fumed. “It’s nice to finally meet you, dear.” She curtsied and Kai snorted again.
“Turning into a piglet Kai-talen?” I looked back to Loti. “Please, you don’t need to do that.” I shook my head, trying to hide the revulsion.
“Nonsense. Have you eaten? You look half-starved.”
