Page 49 of Riftborne
The other part of me wanted to scream. The gown enhanced every feature that I normally tried to tone down. The ones that were a constant cause for unwanted attention. It was a strange notion. It looked like me, but it didn’t feel like me. Perhaps it reflected the best version of myself, but that version didn’t exist. Not really.
Osta pinned my hair back in loose braids, but a few stubborn curls escaped into the air, framing my face. She insisted on using pins encrusted with the same jewels from the gown, and I reluctantly agreed. It was a compromise we had come to after I forcefully vetoed theheadpieceOsta designed to accompany the look.
I had already allowed her to dust my cheekbones with shimmer and line my eyes with charcoal, which only further emphasized the darkness that surrounded them. It made my otherwise deathly appearance seem more intentional… perhaps even alluring.
If you squinted a bit.
Osta pranced over to me, her eyes filled with pride. She took my hands in hers.
“Fia, you’re a goddess!” She mused. “I’ve waited sooooo long to style you for something.” She shook her head and smiled. “Seriously, you look like a shooting star, perhaps even one of the Esprithe! It’s exactly what I imagined!”
I stole another glance towards the mirror, never having seen myself so polished. A deep inhale overcame me, and I nodded.
“You’re my hero. The ladies are going to die when they see your work.” I nudged Osta. “Speaking of, you probably need to go getready. Enough about me. I can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with for yourself.” Giving her a mischievous look, I tilted my head towards the hallway.
“I still can’t believe we get to go! I take back anything negative I’ve ever said about the General!”
I groaned.
“That’s not entirely necessary,” I started to mumble, but she was already turning the corner. A faint squeal echoed through the room as her bedroom door slammed shut.
When she stepped out, my jaw dropped.
The gown was exquisite. Timeless. She looked like the embodiment of a shimmering ruby. The fabric was a rich scarlet, complemented with matching jewels. It cascaded down, embracing her shoulders in a graceful drape that left her decolletage exposed.
The silhouette transitioned into a tailored corset, accentuating her femininity. I followed the lines of the gown. At her waist, it belled out in crimson waves that trailed effortlessly behind her.
Her lips were painted the same scarlet hue. Half of her hair was piled on top of her head; the other half fell in ringlets down her back. She was beaming.
“Osta, you’re a vision,” I whispered, cupping my hands over my mouth. She grinned at me, twirling to make sure I saw the dress from every angle.
“It’s nice, huh?” she asked, strolling past me into the living room. I followed as she took her place in front of the mirror, admiring her work.
“Nice? It’sincredible.”
She looked down and bit her lip.
Oh no.We didnothave time for this.
“Fia… I can’t even tell you how much this opportunity means to me. This could really change my life. I just don’t know how to thank you.” She sniffled.
“Osta, there is no need to thank me. Seriously, this was all General Ashford.” I leaned against the wall and gave her areassuring smile. “You know these things aren’t really my cup of tea, but I’m truly excited for you. And I’m honored to be wearing such a work of art. I’ll do my best to show it off properly.”
Osta looked up, her eyes beginning to glisten at the corners. I grabbed a handkerchief from the counter and handed it to her. She smiled and gently patted her eyes.
“I might need that in writing, Fia,” she joked. “No hiding tonight. Seriously.”
“Understood.” I nodded, forcing the words to sink into my own skin. There would be no disappointing her tonight–I made the silent vow to myself.
She strode towards the door.
“Shall we?” Osta held out her hand and I hooked my arm in hers. As we stepped out onto the street, all eyes turned to us. My face flushed.
“Are you Fia?” My head snapped to the right. A man wearing Sídhe Guard dress robes was looking at me with his eyebrow raised.
“Erm, yes?” I breathed, trying to seem confident, but failing miserably.
“I’ll be escorting you and your friend to the ball this evening. I almost thought you weren’t going to show up. Here, let’s get going. Wouldn’t want to be late.” He turned sharply and walked towards the canal.
