Page 22 of A Rose Among Snakes (Gardens of Ruin and Revival)
Chapter Twenty-One
W e spent the morning relaxing and getting ready for the evening’s festivities. We both bathed again, but this time it was more for the scented soap and creams we applied afterward. I took my time applying rouge to Kezara’s lips and cheeks, lining her eyes with kohl. We played around with a few different hairstyles before landing on one; half of her voluminous curls were neatly piled on top of her head, and the other half cascaded down her back.
Kezara turned her head from side to side and admired her reflection in the mirror. Her lavender gown was snug to her curves, the organza fabric flaring out over her hips. She fastened an amethyst necklace behind her neck and used her hands to adjust herself, adding more lift to her exposed bosom highlighted by the plunging neckline.
“Now if this doesn’t help him come up with a legitimate plan, then I don’t know what will,” she muttered to her reflection.
I shouldn’t have been surprised by the suggestive action, but a shocked laugh bubbled out of my lips.
“Your turn,” she said, pushing me toward the closet. The dress I had tried on had been pretty in the store, but Kezara’s updates for the custom one were beautiful. She helped me into the heavy gown, cinching me in tight, and moving me in front of the mirror.
I barely recognized myself. In place of my usual braid, my hair had been artfully pinned up, save for a few dangling curls. The black kohl around my eyes made my azure irises glow with contrast. The crimson gown hugged my waist, defining curves I didn’t even know I had. The silk skirt was full and luxurious, and the beading on the top sparkled in the sun shining in through the window. The cap sleeves were trimmed in wispy lace and sat perfectly on my upper arms. It was almost pretty enough to distract from the ghastly bruise from Regalla’s hand.
Around my neck, Kezara fastened a delicate, gold chain holding three gaudy rubies.
Behind me, she said, “You are gorgeous, Mihrra.”
“Me? Look at you. Every eye will be on you tonight.”
Kezara tossed her hair over her shoulder and smiled at herself. “Maybe, but there will be plenty on you as well.”
“Not while I’m hiding in the background,” I mumbled.
“Nonsense. I guarantee you will be dancing all night.”
I didn’t want to start the argument again, so I waved a gloved hand in dismissal. “Are you ready to venture downstairs? I can hear the music.”
Kezara took one more look in the mirror, sucked in a deep breath, and strode to the door. I trotted behind, trying my best not to step on her trailing skirt .
We made our way down the stairs and back to the main hall that was teeming with arriving guests. Music drifted from another hallway, and we followed the flow of people heading in its direction. The hallway ended at two open, gold-trimmed, white doors leading to the ballroom. Kezara paused as we crossed the threshold, and I nearly bumped into her before finding myself entranced as well.
Goosebumps prickled along my arms as my mouth fell open.
The gilded walls were stamped with ornate designs and climbed all the way up to the soaring, black ceiling, which was embedded with crystals glittering like stars. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, flickering flames spraying rainbows of color onto the golden walls and white marble floors.
I shared a dazed smile with Kezara, my heartbeat jumping as we waltzed in. The room was bustling with energy; lively music accompanying the sound of dancing feet and joyous laughter. Servants with trays of food wound their way through the crowds, mouthwatering scents wafting by in their wake. A servant approached with a tray of sparkling wine and Kezara grabbed two glasses, handing one to me as she downed her own in two gulps. My eyes widened, but I kept my mouth shut. Together we meandered around the room helping ourselves to different foods, and Kezara accepted a second glass of wine.
Someone brushed past me, reaching forward to grab Kezara’s shoulder. She spun around, her eyebrows raised in surprise, but in a blink, her expression scrunched up with annoyance .
Velian stood next to us, looking even more annoyed than his sister. He was dressed in a tailored black jacket and pants, a white, collared shirt tucked in, and an ornamental sword hanging from his belt, like all the other men in the room. His hair was swept back from his face, and he glared at his sister. “Why didn’t you wait for me?”
“I didn’t know you expected me to,” Kezara said, chin lifted, looking everywhere but at Velian.
“It’s expected for families to arrive at an event together. Did you know that, Kezara?” His expression was flat, his words dripping with sarcasm. I shifted on my feet and looked at the ground, feeling as if I was once again invading a personal moment between them.
“Don’t get your braies in a bunch, Velian. What are you so worried about?”
“You know how I feel about you disappearing on me. Why didn’t you wait for me in your room?”
“Did you barge in hoping to accost someone while they were in the bath again?” A devious smile pulled at the corner of her mouth.
“Kezara!” I hissed.
A muscle jumped in Velian’s jaw, and he avoided eye contact, a slight flush creeping above the collar of his jacket. He leaned in closer to her and said, “Do not embarrass me tonight, Kezara. Please behave.”
Kezara stuck her tongue out as he disappeared into the crowd.
I elbowed her in the side. “That was uncalled for. ”
“I just enjoy seeing him flustered. Both of you, actually.” She smirked at me over the rim of the glass resting against her chin. With an abrupt switch, her mood sobered, and I followed her gaze toward the front of the ballroom to the five golden thrones perched on a dais.
King Leoro was seated on the largest one, his dark hair and sharp features arranged into a pleasant smile, a far cry from the harrowing depiction in the hallway. Walking to the seat next to him was Leoran, followed by a radiant blonde woman. Behind her trailed another woman who looked like an older version of her, and a portly man with a head of gray curls behind the other woman. Leoran took his seat and out of the side of his eye glanced at the young woman next to him. He scanned the crowd as if he were looking for someone, and the woman seated beside him gazed around as well.
Forgoing taking it slow, Kezara threw back the rest of her wine and announced, “I’m ready to dance!” Several men crowded around her offering their hands. She smiled flirtatiously at one dressed in a dark green jacket and took his hand, placing the empty wine glass in the outstretched hand of another. Her partner escorted her to the dance floor, and I took a seat along the back wall keeping Kezara in my sight.
Several dances passed and Kezara moved through them all, switching between waiting men. There was almost a line forming and she appeared to be having the time of her life. All eyes were on her, including Leoran’s. His stare was intense, his countenance growing darker with every man who danced with her. I sat back in my chair, politely declining invitations to dance, preferring instead to watch the crowd and savor all the lavish food. I observed the dancing couples, scanning the twirling pairs for Velian’s figure. I didn’t see him on the dance floor with someone and was ashamed to admit how much it pleased me. I located him speaking with another man near the back wall opposite me. Surrounding them, women were pointing and whispering to each other, tittering and batting their eyelashes at him when he glanced their way. Velian, however, seemed oblivious to their desires, much to the women’s disappointment.
I jumped when someone sat on the chair beside me, and I turned to see who it was. A man I didn’t know was smiling at me. His face was rather plain, but not unpleasant. His eyes were blue, and the only sign of his age was the graying blond hair at his temples.
“Hello, my name is Gerwin, what’s yours?” His eyes crinkled with his smile as he held his hand out to me.
I took it and said, “Mihrra.”
He raised my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. “A lovely name for a lovely woman.”
I smiled politely and removed my hand from his, the unwanted touch of a stranger making my stomach turn.
“Who are you here with, Mihrra?”
I had no interest in continuing the conversation, but I didn’t want to be rude. “The Blaise family.”
“Are you a relative? ”
“I’m not, I’m a Lady’s Maid, and Kez- Ms. Blaise requested I accompany her.”
“I would have sworn you were of noble status.” He paused to wave a hand in the air in dismissal. “I don’t mind though.” He winked at me, and my stomach clenched. I moved my gaze back to the dance floor hoping he would grasp I was not interested in the conversation, but it apparently gave him the opposite idea.
“Care to dance?” He didn’t give me a chance to answer before grabbing my hand and hauling me to my feet. I flinched and tried to pull away without making a scene, but he wasn’t taking no for an answer. Terror clutched at my throat, and my heart hammered as his unfamiliar touch triggered the memory of being yanked from the carriage. We stepped onto the dance floor and Gerwin faced me, the same stupid grin plastered to his face. My mouth went dry and I tried to swallow down my panic, telling myself it was just a dance and I wasn’t in danger. I felt a looming presence behind me and watched as Gerwin’s smile turned to a scowl.