31

My maids draw up a bath for me and then dress me for the event. Tonight’s attire is slightly different from our mandatory wardrobe. Instead of wearing my usual lilac dress with the white-to-yellow sash, my maids put me into a beautiful rose pink dress with long puff sleeves. The dress clings to my waist and hips, and flares at my knee, slowly fading in layers from rose to lilac. The sleeves are light, airy, and soft; the cuffs hug my wrists. The neckline dips in a heart-shaped manner, making me a little uneasy. If my maids are trying to show off my chest, it is certainly working. 

“The rose color of this dress matches your eyes, my lady.” Lola says excitedly. 

“Yes, it really brings out your eyes, my lady.” Tilly chimes in. They are sweet. 

“Thank you.” I smile at them. They help me over to the vanity and help me sit down. The dress is a little stiff, but I am sure it will become less so as the night goes on.

Payla combs my hair and rolls it up into a low bun that runs along the back of my head. She places a simple gold hairpin in the bun to hold it all together while Lola brings over a carved box and opens the lid. Inside sits a dazzling necklace made sparkling white gems. There are three layers and all the gems look clustered close together. It reminds me of the waves breaking on the cliffside, the ocean spray creating hundreds of little water droplets that sparkle in the sunlight. It makes my heart ache with longing. 

She carefully takes out the necklace and places it on my neck, fastening the back. It is cold against my skin but I find that I like the way it looks. I catch myself wondering what Jace would think of this outfit. I purse my lips and frown. It bothers me that I haven’t seen him in nearly two weeks. Perhaps I’ll see him tonight. 

I shrug and stand up, wiggling a bit in my dress, trying to get comfortable. It’s a bit snug around my hips, which I am not used to, since the regular dresses flare at the hips, leaving it open. I practice walking around my room, with the help of Lola and Tilly, who are holding my arms on each side. Feeling confident enough, I try walking on my own. As long as I make small, quick steps I should be fine. There’s a knock at the door.

“It’s time, my lady.” Payla stands by the door. All my ladies are smiling and I can tell the younger two are giddy with delight. They must be excited for the event tonight as well. Lola turns to me with a glimmer in her eyes. 

“My lord prince will not be able to stay away from you tonight.” She whispers with a giggle in her voice. I feel myself blush as my heart skips a beat with anticipation. *Calm down*. I tell myself. *No need to get too excited*. 

Payla opens the door and both Deckette and Oliver are waiting on the other side. 

“Well, it’s about ti-” Deckette stops short. He and Oliver openly stare at me, looking stunned, which only makes me feel nervous. Maybe this outfit is too much. Deckette stands there with his mouth still open, his eyes continuously traveling up and down, as if he can’t believe what he is seeing. Oliver, who is always so careful and by-the-book, can’t seem to hide his emotions this time. He stares at me, awestruck, and I can see heat starting to creep up his neck to his face. 

“You are the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on.” Oliver says in a daze. I try to hide my smile as my cheeks and ears start to burn. Deckette clears his throat and elbows Oliver. 

“If my lady is ready, it would be our honor to escort you.” Deckette fumbles over his words a little and clears his throat again. He grabs Oliver and they both turn around. I just barely catch a glimpse of Deckette’s face, which seems to have a twinge of redness to it. I am surprised by both of their reactions but I have to say, it makes me feel good about myself. It gives me a little more confidence. 

The whole way down, every person we pass stops to stare. Part of me wants to run back to my room and hide under the covers and never come out. All the attention is nerve wracking. When we finally make it to the grand hall, my nerves start to melt away. Here I fit in like a drop of water in the ocean. Everyone is dressed up, however the closer I look, the more I realize that I still stand out - just slightly more than the others.

There is music, laughter, and loud talking echoing around the room. It seems like there are hundreds of people here too. Deckette and Oliver melt into the background, leaving me feeling exposed and alone. I quickly search for familiar faces only to find none.

*How curious. Where is Anna?*

I take a deep breath, straighten up, and put a smile on my face. I am sure to run into someone I know eventually. With that spark of confidence, I start to move around the great hall. I politely return smiles here and there from the people I pass. I even grab myself a drink from one of the tables. It is bubbly and has hints of bitters and fruit. I gingerly sip it.

I look around once more and spot Maya across the hall. She is wearing a long, tight black dress with big, billowy sleeves. The feeling of relief washes over me and I make my way over to her. I see her see me as I get closer. She doesn’t smile, just glares. I am a little put off but quickly dismiss it. 

“Maya!” I smile. “You look gorgeous!” The black dress matches her black hair so much that I can’t tell where her hair starts and where it ends. She is wearing a necklace around her throat that has a red and black gem sitting neatly in the middle. It is not a style of necklace I have seen, nor is the gem. The gem itself looks like an ember, and I would have mistaken it as so if it was not polished and shined. 

Maya’s eyes are painted with black ink, making it look like there are wings on the edge of her eyes. That is also something I have not seen before. Her lips are painted a bright, blood red. She looks a bit…scary. The contrast of her lips to her pale face with her black hair makes her look unhealthy.

“Remi.” Maya grits out. “The dress softens your eyes and makes them less disturbing.” I am taken aback. 

“What?” I ask in surprise. 

“You heard what I said.” She snipes. 

“I am not sure what I have done, but I am sorry if I have offended you.” I put my hand up in surrender. Maya rolls her eyes at me. I frown and look away, looking out at the crowd for a moment. “Have you seen Anna?” 

“Anna’s gone.” I snap my head back to Maya.

“What do you mean Anna’s gone?”

“Are you slow?” She sneers. “Anna had her night with the king the night before last and was sent home.”

*What? But I didn’t even get to say goodbye*.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Maya turns and leaves. I am stunned and disappointed.