Page 48 of Court of Rivals
They stare, smiling, but it’s the oldest that speaks again. “You look like a princess, my lady.”
I move over to the full-length mirror, then stop and stare. My mouth falls open, and it’s like my brain stops working.Is that… is that me?I’ve spent my whole life in hand-me-down clothes from my brothers, and a couple new things made out of leather by my mother, made to make it easier for my journeys through the woods, looking for herbs. I’ve never worn a dress, and certainly not a fancy, expensive dress. Looking at myself now islike looking at somebody else. Some other version of me that’s wealthy and fancy.
Spinning, I watch the way the dress moves around me like the petals of a flower. “This can’t be real.”
One of the younger girls giggles. “It’s real. That’s you.”
I look back at them and spread my arms out. “It’s beautiful. Thank you so much!”
They smile, all three of them looking pleased at their work.
“Now, I just have to figure out where to go.”
There’s another knock at my door. The servants move to open the door, but I shake my head and hurry to it, more than capable of opening my own door, even in a fancy dress. Flinging the door open, I spot Roland all dressed up in a nice suit.
“You look good!” I compliment him.
He opens his mouth to say something, then his gaze lands on me, and his eyes widen. His mouth drops open, and he just stares and stares.
My cheeks burn. “It’s not bad, right?”
“Not bad?” He manages to choke out after a long minute. “You look incredible.”
I smile. “You think so?”
He draws himself up taller and squares his shoulder. “I will be proud to show you to the dance, if you’d be kind enough to accompany me.”
My smile widens, and I step out into the hall, putting my hand on his arm. “Lead the way.”
We head to the castle, and to wherever the party will be taking place. He leads me through the academy, and to the castle that stands right next to it. I feel strange walking in a pretty dress and slippers, almost like I’ve stepped into someone else’s body, but it’s also kind of nice.Who knew I like being girly?Certainly not me.
“So,” he says, clearing his throat. “Has anyone at the academy caught your eye just yet?”
My thoughts instantly go to the three princes, but I try to push away the unwanted thoughts. “No, not really. But to be fair, you’re all a pack of assholes.”
His cheeks burn red. “Yeah, I heard about the hand-to-hand incident. I was busy with another circle by the time everyone figured out what was going on.”
I wince. “Is that what they’re calling it, the hand-to-hand incident?”
He looks even more uncomfortable. “They’re calling it the Bare Breasts Blessing, but I thought my description was more appropriate.”
I release a slow breath, trying to push down the rising embarrassment inside of me. “Good call on that one.”
At least they’ve been “nice” enough not to say it in front of me. I thought I’d be mercilessly teased about what happened, but not a single man has mentioned it to me. Which is strange, but I’ve tried not to spend too much time worrying aboutwhythey’re letting this go so easily.
The academy and castle share one of their courtyards. It’s the same courtyard we used to go out on the town the other night. This time, we head up the many steps that lead into the castle, and guards at the top of the steps open the doors.
Roland leads us down a hall with massively high ceilings, white walls, and art everywhere.
“Wow,” I murmur.
Roland squeezes my hand. “It’s all a little intimidating at first, but you’ll get used to it.”
“Really?”
He shrugs. “Most people do, but I haven’t.”
“Comforting,” I whisper.
