Page 52

I hesitate, glancing back at the sleeping Luna. The pull of exploring the festival finally wins out, and being away from my cottage, I need to find a place to restock on a few things that I’ve run out of.

“It would be my honor then.” I incline my head politely.

“Wonderful! Now we must find you a truly stunning gown for the ball this week. Can’t have you on my brother’s arm looking anything less than breathtaking.”

I duck my head self-consciously. “You flatter me, but I’m afraid my budget is small. With the unexpected stay, I didn’t have much on me to begin with. I do need to find an apothecary, though. There are a few items I need to stock up on soon.”

“Nonsense. No escort of mine shall be seen in anything but the height of fashion. Draven here will purchase everything you need. Might as well enjoy the perks of being a prince’s mate even if you haven’t accepted him yet.”

I catch Draven’s amused glance.

“Best not to argue with her on matters of style,” he stage-whispers.

I grab my heavy woolen cloak and wrap it close before following Audrey and Draven out into the torch-lit hallway. Our footsteps echo off the soaring stone walls as we make our way through the maze of corridors. Frosty air kisses my cheeks when we emerge into a courtyard blanketed in fresh powder.

Icicles drip from archways, and stately fir trees dot the grounds strung with lamps that cast a warm glow. The full moon shines brightly overhead, lighting our path across the frozen cobblestones. In the distance, the sounds of music and laughter float on the night breeze.

We pass through an imposing iron gate onto a bustling thoroughfare lined with colorful stalls. Villagers wrapped in furs browse wares by the light of crackling braziers and glowing crystal lanterns—baked goods steaming in the chill, handcrafted toys, and wreaths of holly berries.

Audrey guides me toward a wider avenue where more elaborate shops stand. Flags snap in the wind above storefronts adorned with garlands of pineboughs and ribbons. I take in the sights and sounds of the unfamiliar festival market with muted awe, reminded of more carefree days from my past. The mouthwatering scents and Audrey’s infectious enthusiasm slowly thaw my wariness. For the first time since my reluctant return, I let down my guard and allow myself to enjoy the holiday magic.

My senses come alive, reminded of long-ago visits to my village’s humble market with my mother. I lose myself for a moment in memories of hiding in the skirts, clutching her hand as she bartered.

“Ah, here we are!” Audrey tugs me toward an elegant storefront decked in emerald silks and golden filigree. “Madame Claire’s shop. She’s simply the best.”

Bells jingle merrily as we step inside the dressmaker’s lavish showroom. Bolts of sumptuous fabrics shimmer under flickering gas lamps—satins in every hue, lush velvets, and finely embroidered taffetas. Audrey cajoles me onto a raised dais in the center of the room as the proprietress sweeps in.

“What treasure have you brought me today, Highness?” Madame Claire circles me appraisingly.

Audrey beams. “Draven’s escort for the ball. We simply must make her the envy of every lady at court.”

“Hmm, yes, she has fine bones and coloring. I know just the design.”

Soon, I am caught up in being draped with silks and taffetas as they discuss styles and colors. Audrey selects a deep emerald green velvet that complements my complexion. The proprietress works swiftly, pinning and marking while her assistants wrap me in the sumptuous fabric.

Watching silently off to the side, Draven catches my uncertain glance. “Just go with it,” he whispers behind his hand. “She adores playing dress-up.” His crooked smile emboldens me to indulge their enthusiasm.

I stand stiffly on the dais as the proprietress pins and drapes the emerald velvet over me. Despite the sumptuous softness, my skin prickles with unease. This bond between Draven and I feels like a silken cord cinching tighter, slowly suffocating my will.

I chance a glance in his direction. He lounges against the wall watching me, mercury eyes bright with interest. A subtle smile plays about his lips, even before his eyes lock with mine. It’s like the air is sucked from the room. Heat spreads up my neck as the mate-bond thrums between us.

The proprietress circles around me, tutting and adjusting the gown’s drape, but all I can focus on is Draven’s unrelenting stare. The training of decades spent concealing myself is the only thing keeping me upright and outwardly composed.

“You’ll be the envy of every lady in the kingdom, my dear,” the proprietress declares.

That snaps me out of my trance enough to turn woodenly toward the mirrors. The gown and my reflection are exquisite, but they belong to a stranger, someone whose hand fate has not dealt so unkindly.

When Audrey insists on more dresses, I silently comply.

Draven steps away from the wall, but his eyes remain fixed on mine in the mirror. It’s as if he is memorizing every line of my face. It takes all my will not to shudder at the intimacy of his gaze. No one has seen me so bare, without my protective masks, in longer than I can recall. I drop my eyes, praying for strength against the persistent pull of the bond I never asked for.

Before long, I am spun around to view myself in the mirrors. The woman staring back looks likea stranger—regal, graceful…lovely even. Unfamiliar warmth blooms in my chest.

“Utterly perfect!” Audrey declares. “We will take it along with three day gowns in lighter silks.”

I start to protest the expense, but Draven walks to me and presses a finger gently to my lips. “Please, allow me this small gift. It is the least I can do for my honored escort.”

The sincerity in his dark eyes silences any argument, and his touch ignites my skin. Only centuries of practiced control keep me from betraying the riotous effect he has on my traitorous heart.