Page 4 of Princely Agreement

“What?” I try not to stutter.

“You’ve never dyed or done anything to it?”

“Oh no. I haven’t.”

“It’s so healthy.” Nova sounds excited about this.

“So—” Fiona picks up where we left off. “What else do you want in a man besides loving? Anyone would love you, sweetheart. What kind of man are you attracted to?” Both the stylists are working on me, but I know they’re listening.

“I have a thing for short men,” Mic says, breaking the ice.

“Because he wants to be in control.” Nova rolls her eyes but is smirking.

“I think I’d like someone in control,” I admit, but my words are almost a whisper. I can’t believe I said it out loud to begin with.

“Girl, me too.” Nova brushes my hair, making me relax.

The next hour is the most fun I’ve had in a long time, and I don’t want it to end.

“Holy crap,” I say when I see myself in the mirror. It’s me, but Mic has highlighted some of my features. He made me shine as he said he would, and Nova gave my hair gorgeous waves.

“I know, right? Fiona nailed it.” Mic stares smugly at me in the mirror while he admires his work.

“Nailed what?”

“She said natural for you,” Nova answers. “The best look is one that appears effortless. I could never pull that off, but you got it.”

“You’re all going to inflate my ego.”

“Good.” Mic winks at me before they both pack up, and we say our goodbyes. Fiona is already dressed, so she’s ready to go.

“Are you ready to put your dress on?” Fiona asks. I honestly didn’t think we’d make it this far. How do I tell her I don’t have one and that I’m not invited?

“I’m not sure I should go. It’s Matthew and Jace’s night.” Fiona's expression turns confused, and I wonder if I might be losing her.

“What are you talking about? You’re a Cinder.”

“My dress didn’t get done in time either,” I blurt out, not wanting to do this. My makeup is perfect, and the last hour has been so lovely. I don’t want to end it in tears.

“I thought you might try that on me.” She grabs my hand. “You know that you could be your mother’s clone,” she says, surprising me. That was not what I thought she was going to say.

“Yes, I’ve heard many people say that.” I’ve gotten a few double-takes before.

“So I picked something out from her collection.” Fiona disappears into her closet before coming back a moment later with a pale blue dress. There are tiny crystals all over it, making it shimmer in the light.

“This was my mom’s?” I run my finger down the soft material in awe.

“Yes, your father kept all of her things for you. I thought tonight might be the perfect night to wear one in her honor.”

Once again, I fight back tears. Fiona has always been so kind when it comes to my mom. There was never jealousy or her trying to wash her from our home. The same can’t be said for her sons, and I often thought she and my father were friends more than anything.

“Okay,” I tell her because I can't say no. I also don’t want to.

The top of the dress is tight enough that I thankfully don’t need a bra. Normally I do, but as I stare at myself in the mirror, I realize the dress might have been made for my mom but it fits me perfectly.

I don’t care what Matthew and Jace say. I’m going to that party. They won’t cause a scene. Not with everyone watching.

For once, tonight will be mine.

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