Page 65 of Corrupt Crown

My shoulders sag at the loss of my singular lifeline, and Maria steps closer, curling her hands lightly around my upper arms. “You will beperfetta,SenorinaElodie. Don Rafael would not ask it of you if he did not believe you were capable of the task.”

She regards me for a long moment until whatever she sees in my eyes satisfies her, and she steps back with a smile. “Bene. Now, I’ve laid out everything you need inside. You will hear theguests arriving, but you won’t be escorted downstairs until after 9 p.m., so you have plenty of time to relax and prepare.”

Then she takes the food tray and disappears without another word.

I glance at the letter in my hand, smiling to myself when I think about what Rafe could have sent me, so I sink down onto the oval lounger facing the bay and rip it open.

My heart falters in my chest, and tears instantly fill my eyes when I recognize Skye’s familiar handwriting.

Sucking in deep breath after deep breath, I read with trembling hands.

Hey Ellie,

Thank you for sending me to the most special school in the world.

I’m studying all sorts of new subjects. My favorite is music. Maestra Clara says I have a beautiful singing voice, but I prefer to play the instruments, especially the piano.

It is so pretty here. It’s very sunny and warm right now, but my roommate, Jenna, says that during the winter term, it looks like a blanket of snow has covered the entire campus.

I think you would really like it in Switzerland. When can you visit?

Your friend, Rafe, said that you missed me as much as I miss you. You must miss me an awful lot, then. I think about you all the time.

Please write back to me, and tell me you love me.

All my love,

Skye

When I finish,tears trail down my cheeks, and I clasp the letter to my chest, slamming my eyes closed as gratitude for Rafe and his pre-emptive actions overwhelms me.

I draw in a shuddery breath before re-reading the letter, but this time, I smile at the end and slip the letter into my back pocket, intent on replying after the party.

The sun is almost set on the horizon by the time I stand and pad back inside, noting the beautiful red dress Maria has left hanging from my wardrobe. I run my fingertips along the satin, suddenly excited to wear something other than leggings or shorts for the first time in weeks.

I make short work of showering and washing my long blonde hair. Once I’m dried off and lotioned up, I dry my hair before styling it into soft curls. I keep my makeup very simple, opting for natural colors on my face with a striking red lip that matches the dress.

I’ve just slipped my red heels onto my feet and am about to step into the dress, when there’s a knock on the door of my suite.

“We will join the party when you are ready,Stellina,” Rafe’s deep voice calls out from the other side, and I quickly tug the dress up over my curves, turning to the mirror to find my response dies in my throat.

“I-I-I’ll be just a minute.”

I blink my eyes in sheer disbelief as I take in my reflection. “Wow!”

The dress fits as though it were made for me. The deep red satin molds to every curve with a deep V at the front that hints at my cleavage without being distasteful.

It’s a full length gown, entirely backless, with a small train of material that’s designed to look like red roses trailing behind me, and it’s easily the most beautiful piece of clothing I’ve ever laid eyes upon.

Once I’ve double-checked my makeup, I gently push open the door into the hall, finding Rafe leaning against the wall as he scrolls his cell. He’s transformed into Don Rafael again for the party, and I take a minute to drink in how goddamn handsome he is.

Hearing me emerge, he lifts his head, and when his eyes find me, they nearly bulge out of his sockets.

He quickly recovers himself, pushing off the wall to wrap his arms around my waist, and pull me close. “You are absolutely fucking radiant,Stellina.” Then he leans down to press a soft kiss to my cheek. “I cannot wait for all of our guests to see the most beautiful woman in the world on my arm tonight.”

My cheeks heat, and I bite my lip as I tuck a strand of hair behind one ear. Rafe watches me with knowing eyes, chuckling as he presents his forearm like some kind of fairytale prince, and I take it with a smile.

“Grazie, Handsome.”