Page 9

Against the left wall was a mahogany four-poster bed dressed in blue covers and white drapes.

An ornate coving connected the tall walls to the high ceilings, and a sprawling, cream rug spread across the wooden floorboards.

Beautiful, framed portraits graced the walls, and a golden candelabra chandelier hung from the ceiling.

She gasped, spinning around to face a smiling Filip. “I’ll be honest with you; I wasn’t expecting a room so lavish.”

“You must understand your value, Adelina. Perhaps you won’t yet, but once your training commences, you will know and realise why I treat you so. I want you to be comfortable here.”

“It’s a remarkable home you have.” She rested her hands on the wide windowsill, and glanced out at the rippling, circular pond, and the stretching, groomed gardens to either side.

“There will be plenty of time to explore the grounds, Adelina. Make yourself at home. The wardrobe is stocked with newly made gowns but alert me if you require fabric from town. You’ll meet your maiden shortly—she’ll take you to the bathrooms and help you dress.

This evening, we will celebrate the prospects of a New Year. ”

“Thank you,” she said.

When she was alone in her room, she traced her fingers lightly over the thin, white drapes hanging from the posters on her bed.

She plonked onto the mattress, then flung back and stretched her arms out on the wide surface.

A grin spread across her lips. Although she was grateful for everything her parents had done for her, she’d never experienced luxury like this before.

Within a split second, a wave of loneliness hit her, and she furrowed her brows.

Her pleasure dissipated. The fineries surrounding her wouldn’t dull the ache in her heart and its longing for Damir and her family.

The following morning, she’d have her grandfather’s pocket watch fixed in the hopes it would bring her comfort.

Moments later, someone rapped on the door. She hopped to her feet, composed herself, then opened it.

“Miss Adelina.” A pale-faced woman in an apron curtsied. “My name is Natasha, and I’ll be your maiden for the duration of your stay. You may call on me at any time—day or night. My chamber is at the back of the building with the rest of the household workers. May I escort you to the bathing room?”

“Of course.” She smiled, skirting around her luggage stowed to the side of the doorway.

She followed Natasha along the ruby red carpet, across the landing overlooking the grand entrance, then through a corridor leading to the back of the palace. They passed a multitude of doors, curving steps, and winding corridors until they reached a steamy room.

“The bathtub has been filled for you, miss.” Natasha opened the door and guided her inside.

Adelina removed her shoes, then dipped behind the wooden divider opposite the steaming granite tub. Thin voiles dressed the window, but from their height, no one would catch a glimpse.

She slipped out of her clothes, placing them on a small dresser in front of her. Cautiously, she tiptoed across the wooden flooring, eyed the servant, and climbed into the tub. A delighted sigh escaped her lips as she sank into the hot water.

Natasha unravelled her hair by freeing the curls from their pins. She placed them in a dish on a counter beneath an oval mirror, then returned with a glass jug. “Sit forward, miss.”

Adelina scooted into the centre of the tub.

“There it is,” Natasha said, a note of surprise in her airy tone.

“What?” Adelina glanced over her shoulder. “Oh, the sun mark.”

Lifting her fingers, Natasha traced it. “It’s one thing hearing about it, and another to see it.” She smiled. “It’s so great to have you here. Filip will be proud.”

Adelina crossed her arms over her chest, unable to ignore the anxiety the sun mark gave her. How could she live up to what Filip expected of her?

Natasha filled the jug to the brim, then tilted Adelina’s head back, keeping her forehead shielded by her left palm. The warm water poured onto her long, brown hair. Being bathed in this way reminded her of when her mother used to wash her tenderly as a child, and her heart ached.

Once her hair was washed and her body scrubbed, she stepped out of the bath, and Natasha wrapped a large cotton towel around her shoulders.

“Dry yourself behind the divider, and I will fetch you a gown suitable for this evening’s festivities.” Natasha curtsied before leaving the room.

A few moments later, she returned.

Wrapped in her towel and her wet hair sticking to her back, Adelina peered around the partition. Natasha placed several dress components and undergarments on top of a dresser, then placed the shoes on the floor.

Clasping her hand over her mouth, Adelina gazed at the white silk caftan and the embroidered velvet sarafan. The sleeves were long and open, while the skirts were ruched and gathered at the waist, held together by a golden cord.

“Now, while it may look pretty to the eye, I must warn you, miss—the garment will be heavy and the bodices will be tightly boned, but soon enough, you’ll grow used to the customary fashion.” She smiled.

Natasha helped her into her silk underdress, then pulled the thick layers of the sarafan over her head. At the waist, the dress puffed out into a bell-like shape. Next, Adelina was fitted into the corseted bodice, and the sleeves at the shoulders mirrored the style of the skirt.

Once fastened in place, she peered over her shoulder and gazed at the gold-embroidered train. “While beautiful, I feel as if I am wearing armour.”

Natasha chuckled light-heartedly. “Fear not, you won’t be the only lady dressed as such. Ms. Salma and the other ladies will be dressed in a similar fashion.”

Adelina turned to face Natasha, then eyed her simple white dress. “I mean not to offend you, but I must say there are some differences between our garments.”

“Well, of course.” Natasha nodded. “When Mr. Tarasov greets you, you’ll notice his clothing will be stitched with golden fabric, much like yours—to show your rank.”

Her cheeks warmed. Ranks? How could a rural village girl be thrust into the life of luxury and status when she held no claim to such things?

“Forgive my lack of understanding, but I’ve come from Aramoor. If you know the place, then you will know I’m not used to all this finery. ”

“So, it may be, but you are of a great deal of importance now. Come, slip into your shoes, and let me escort you back to your chambers. I will fix your hair.”

∞∞∞

Adelina’s heart leapt into her throat as she approached the grand stairwell. Guests gathered in the foyer, with glasses of wine in their hands. Their bustling chatter hushed as Filip turned his head upwards to catch a glance of her standing on the top step.

She gazed down at him, caught his reassuring smile, then glided down the stairs, using the rail for balance, and taking care not to trip in her heeled shoes. Salma awaited her at the bottom, and Filip, dressed in a gold embroidered shirt and trousers, made his way towards them.

“You look radiant.” He took Adelina’s hand in his and kissed it. “Now that you have joined us, I will assemble the guests in the reception room. The feast will be ready shortly.”

A nearby servant carried a silver platter, with glasses filled halfway with a deep red wine. Filip took two, then handed one to her and Salma. “Enjoy.”

He slipped away into the crowd.

Adelina placed her hand in the crook of Salma’s elbow. “There are so many people, I’m not too sure where to start. Are they his friends? Benefactors? Perhaps some have magic. He mentioned there were others with abilities. ”

“Don’t fret, child. I am sure he will make introductions.” Salma patted her hand.

Her greying hair was tied at the top of her head, and several loose strands curled around either side of her spectacles. She carried herself with grace and composure that Adelina hoped to one day mimic.

Once inside the reception, Filip returned to Adelina’s side, then ushered her forwards, positioning her in front of the crowd.

A fire crackling in the hearth behind them provided warmth, and the lit candelabra chandeliers filled the room with a radiant glow.

Silverware was laid on each of the round, wooden tables, with flower arrangements in the centre.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to Ms. Adelina Orlova. She is the light I have been in search of for the past ten years. Finally, my prayers have been answered. I would like to thank you all for your continued support. Tomorrow, we will make a public appearance, but tonight, you have the honour of meeting my missing half—it is she who possesses astral magic.”

The room filled with gasps and murmurs. Adelina stared into the crowd, her heart thrumming, her fingers trembling.

“I will advise you to treat Adelina with the utmost respect and, more importantly, join us both in this grand celebration, for a new age is upon us. The age of union, the three countries together, has begun!” He thrust his glass into the air, and the guests cheered, meeting his toast.

Adelina took a large gulp of wine, curtsied, then shimmied out of centre stage .

Filip caught her by the elbow and met her with a warm smile. “Fear not, I will prepare you with what to say tomorrow at the public appearance, but for now, enjoy yourself. There is someone I would like to introduce you to.”

She nodded, swallowing the anxious lump in her throat.

He guided her through the chattering crowd of formally attired courtiers. Salma followed, remaining a mere few steps behind.

Ahead was a short woman with grey hair pinned neatly away from her face. Large blue eyes sparkled, and fine wrinkles stood out like crows’ feet from the outer corners.

She curtsied before them, then kissed Adelina on both cheeks. “Ms. Orlova, what a pleasure it is to meet you.”

Her stomach churned with nerves. She’d never been surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces before.