Page 117

Chapter 30

My heart thunders in my chest and my thoughts race with anticipation.

Halen turns to me, her eyes sparkling. “Are you ready?”

“As ready as I’m going to be.”

She sighs dramatically. “You’ve never been more beautiful!”

“You’re coming, right?”

“Of course! I’m going to get ready as soon as you leave.” She swims over to the full-length mirror and pulls off the blanket that has been covering it the whole time she’s been helping me get ready. She waves me over. “Hurry up, would you? I’m dying to see your reaction!”

I try not to glance down at the dress she helped me into, insisting that I close my eyes while she put it on. She also did my hair and makeup, not allowing me to look at any of it. Curiosity burns as I make my way across the room.

“Close your eyes!” She grins widely and her eyes look like they’re going to pop out of her head.

I do as I’m told and she guides me to the mirror. “Ready?”

“You’re driving me crazy!”

“Good. Now open them.”

Finally.

I can hardly believe the reflection staring back at me. The long flowy blue formal dress shimmers brightly with our dorm lighting—I can hardly imagine what it’ll look like in the castle’s dance hall. My still-pink long hair cascades down my back, and my makeup is perfect. I hardly recognize myself.

Knock, knock!

My heart jumps into my throat. Is Bash here already?

Halen beams. “His reaction is going to be even better than yours!”

She nudges me toward the door, and I open it. Bash is wearing a tuxedo, and he looks amazing. And I just realized I’m not breathing.

“Look at you two, gawking at each other. I love it!” She helps me out the door. “I’ll see you at the castle!”

Bash draws in a breath. “You look gorgeous. I can’t believe you’re taking me to the ball at the castle.”

I look him over and run my fingers over his beard. “I can’t believe I get to take you as my date.”

He swallows then holds out a corsage with an exotic flower the same color as my hair. “This is for you.” Then he slides it onto my wrist and threads his fingers through mine. “How are we getting there? I assume not my motorcycle.”

I shake my head. “My dad sent a ride. It should be out front now.”

Bash gives a slight bow. “My lady.”

I can’t help beaming. We make our way through the dorm, and the air is full of excitement. Everyone from our school is going to the ball—it’s a royal ball, and we’re all part of the royal class. People smile, wave, and stop to speak with us. Even Earwyn gives me a genuine smile. Not that I’m going to get my hopes up that we’ll ever be friends. She probably just wants to get on my good side so I’ll introduce her to one of my single cousins.

Once we get outside, the driver lets us into the vehicle. It’s basically an undersea version of a limo, but much fancier. Bash hands me a glass of wine—it’s legal. “To us.”

I tap his glass. “To us.”

We drink, then I snuggle against him. “I’m so glad you’re still at the academy.”

He sighs. “Only through the end of this semester.”

I turn to look into his eyes. “We’ll figure something out. You saved the king’s life. The least he could do is cover the rest of your year at the academy.”