Page 45 of Kiss of Ice

“I’ve never seen the palace look so bright,” Ren said. “I thought you could only see it glow in the dark?”

“Yes, me too.” The witch could sense something in the air, a faint susurration against her skin. It felt like magic.

“We’ve probably not noticed it before because we only ever see it at a distance.”

“Indeed. And speaking of the palace, we ought to head back. It’s getting late and you have an engagement party to get to. That is, if you’re still going ahead with it?”

Ren nodded slowly.

“I am. Thank you for talking to me.” She smiled shyly. “You were right when you guessed I was missing my mother.”

“A girl needs her mother when she’s getting married. I’m sorry you don’t have that. But if you ever need someone to talk to, you can always talk to me.”

They started walking back to the guest quarters.

“Maybe you can tell me how to get through tonight without choking in terror,” Ren said. “All those people, staring at me. I’ve never been comfortable being the centre of attention.”

“Really? But your father is one of the most important men in Nush’aldaam. How is it you aren’t used to public appearances?”

“I kept away from them. Or rather, my father kept me away from them.”

“Why? Did he not want you there?”

“Oh, it wasn’t that,” Ren said quickly. “I’m sure he would have loved to involve me. No, it was for my own good. He knew I’d be too self-conscious because I’m a bit… you know. Big. Clumsy. He didn’t want people to make fun of me.”

The wiccan’s face was inscrutable.

“How noble of him.”

“Anyway. The thought of being presented tonight as Kam’s betrothed… gods, I think I might throw up. I don’t want to embarrass myself. Got any advice?”

Ruth rolled her eyes.

“I’m a witch, my dear. I can do better than give advice.”

Twenty

She felt magnificent. Relaxed, serene, supremely confident. Of course, the dress helped.

When Ruth had first cajoled her into trying it on, Ren had been hesitant. The engagement gown was beautiful but sensationally dramatic; sapphire blue organza that nipped her in at the waist and thrust her breasts out front and centre. Her bare shoulders were draped with delicate gold chains and the low-cut neck drew attention directly to her cleavage. There was no hiding in this dress.

“It’s perfect for your shapely physique, my Lady,” said Ruth.

Ren stared at herself critically in the mirror. Her hair and make-up were amazing but the dress… the dress was what everyone would be talking about. Her stomach churned with apprehension.

“I don’t have the flair to carry this off.”

“Yes, you do. Here. Take this.” The witch had pressed a vial into her hand. “It’s a potion for self-esteem. It’ll make you perfectly happy to be stared at. It’ll make youwantto be stared at.”

“I’m not sure,” Ren said doubtfully. “Will it change my personality?”

“It only enhances what’s already there. Trust me, my Lady. It’ll take the edge off your nerves.”

“What about my klutziness?”

“You’ll be as graceful as a water nymph.”

To the hells with it.She knocked it back in one slug.

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