Page 6

Valerie had turned her nose up at any of Cecily’s glamorous dresses, anything that had too much lace or frills. Instead, she’d chosen something sophisticated, anything that showed the woman wearing it was more interested in showing the qualities she already had than hiding behind a dress.

The real Cecily hadn’t understood such a mindset.

Valerie had taken make-up, although she didn’t normally wear it. She had to conform to the class she was playing. Rather than hiding her pale, alabaster skin behind colouring powder, she used a white cream to mask any impurities.

Her cheeks naturally had a slight pinkness to them, like she was always warm. She didn’t feel the need to add anything there.

She’d donned a maroon eye shadow, darkened her lashes, and put liquid coal along the rim of her eyes. Her lips were already a pale brownish red, and she felt if she’d donned anything on her lips, it would make her appear like a jester – or that she was trying too hard.

A soft horn sounded, informing all those inside that guests were arriving.

“Now entering, Duke Vermont and Lady Cecily of house Dyèrie,” introduced a servant before stepping out of the way.

She found it difficult to see over Vermont’s shoulders and the guards surrounding her.

People moved out of the way to allow them to greet the king, women and men on either side trying to peer around the guards to see her. She could only see them between the guards’ shoulders.

Her eyes quickly ducked up to the glass dome ceiling and the crystal chandelier hanging above. It was lit with candles and reflected rainbow fractal patterns across the glass before it became a stone ceiling of painted images.

The ceiling was alive with images of the heavens, of mountains surrounded by clouds and sky. Painted creatures like birds flew around the glass dome, like they wanted to escape and fly through it.

To someone like her, who had never seen such wealth and elegance in a simple ceiling, she had to refrain from being entranced by it.

Once they were firmly inside the room, the guards fell away to reveal her, like she was something precious.

Vermont continued to approach the throne. It was only now that she could see him, King Bradwick, sitting on his affluent chair.

His long blond hair was tied back at the base of his skull before the length of his ponytail came over one of his shoulders to rest against his chest. A golden crown encrusted with red jewels sat on his head and not a single hair was out of place.

His face was clean shaven, his eyes such a rich colour of brown they appeared molten copper.

Under his royal suit of white and blue, he looked lean yet strong. A bright grin crossed his features, making his cheek bones appear more prominent, his jaw wider.

He was handsome, dazzlingly so.

He sat on his throne with an air of arrogance. His legs were outstretched while his hands laid on the armrests made of the highest quality timber. The light blue cushions looked plumper than any chair Valerie had ever seen.

“Duke Vermont! I have not seen you since I was a little boy. Look at how fat you have gotten.” King Bradwick chuckled, making his guests chortle along with him.

Perfect, the glamour is working.She felt the twitch of a grin at the corner of her lips but snuffed it out fast.

“Good evening, your Royal Highness,” Vermont greeted, placing his hand over his heart before bowing his entire body until he showed the man the back of his head. “We, at the house of Dyèrie, would like to formally thank you for this opportunity to visit you here at the palace, and for the invitation to your gala.”

King Bradwick peered at his hand for a moment, as though he was more interested in his own fingernails.

“Well, Iamlooking for a wife, and I knew that Duke Grayson had a daughter, since you only bore sons.” He returned his gaze to Vermont, who was still bowing. He waved his hand dismissively to the side so Vermont would stand normally. “I am offended that he did not come to introduce his daughter himself. Does he hold no respect for the throne?”

Valerie’s gaze fell to the crowd, who began to chatter around the room, many pairs of eyes looking her over. Immediately, she could see the judgement in them.

“We were unsure if you were aware that Duke Grayson’s wife is gravely ill, your Highness. He did not wish to leave his beloved in case she passed while he was away.”

Valerie already knew this. She didn’t react, not even when more whispers circulated.

The spell was working with the knowledge he had, and she realised that he must have been a high-ranking guard with how well he was speaking with the king.

This is perfect.He will know enough to pass as the real Vermont.

“Oh.” The king’s brow creased. “I did not know; news often takes time to travel to me. My condolences to your family. I shall pardon his impudence, considering the circumstances, and I appreciate your effort in taking his place.”