Page 73 of A Hunt So Wicked

Finan appeared before me. "Why ever not?"

I pointed at the cleavage.

"Don't fret. They'll be even higher when we are done with this corset."

"Higher?!" I shrieked. "How could they be any higher? I could use them as a pillow during dinner if I fancy a rest!"

Finan and the servants erupted with laughter. I watched him wipe away actual tears.

"Royal bosoms are meant to be high, my lady," one of the women told me between giggles.

I gasped as all the air in my lungs was forced out of my body, courtesy of the damn corset. "Too tight," I whined.

"Can you still breathe?" Finan asked as he fluffed the skirt.

"Yes."

He leaned around the fabric. "Tighter, Delia."

"Tigh— Oof!" This was abuse.

"How about now?"

I shook my head no. I couldn't have even gotten enough air to speak.

"Perfect." He jumped up and studied me. His eyes welled with tears.

"Are... you... okay?" I panted.

He removed his pocket square and dabbed at his cheeks. "You're just an absolute vision."

Speaking of vision, black dots swam in front of his face, and I felt warm. No,hot.

"Loosen the laces, Delia! My Goddess, I don't want to waste this gown on a corpse."

The laces gave way, and I sucked in a deep breath while another maid began fanning my face.

"I thought you said it was perfect?" Delia asked quietly.

"Well, not everyone can wear a corset properly," he tsked. "But I think a little wiggle room will be fine."

Delia got back to work, and it felt so much better.

"I told you I've never worn something so nice," I reminded him, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

He waved my comment away. "Don't give it a second thought. Are you ready to see it?"

I nodded, desperate to get out of that tiny room. Following him out, I heard Isla gasp.

"Wow, Eves," Riv said, nodding her approval.

My cheeks burned, and all eyes were on me as I was escorted to the far wall, which was nothing but a mirror from floor to ceiling. A raised platform was in front of it, and I was led right to it. I didn't dare look in the mirror yet. I was afraid to take my eyes off the floor in front of me. The last thing I needed was to trip or stumble. I had just met Finan, but I think he would lose his mind if his gown was destroyed before its debut.

"Step up," he instructed, holding his hand out for me. I slipped mine into his and climbed onto the platform.

"Well?" he demanded. "What do you think?"

I delayed looking, even now. Some part of me knew that once I saw myself in this dress, which happened to be the exact colors of Dair's family crest, there would be no turning back. I was wearing a dress fit for a queen. The one I had worn to the ball was nice, but it was far from this level of exquisiteness.