Page 97 of Spirit Trials

A thrill runs through me as I meet his eyes, and I feel a smile form. “You’ll have to find out, if you’re not too afraid, that is.”

That sexy smirk is back. “Is that a challenge?”

“It most definitely is, Prince.”

Footsteps sound behind us, and I pull back. Lox walks past us whistling and just as casual as can be. “Night.”

“Good night,” Rysden says.

I manage a quick good night. Lox’s door closes a minute later, and I look up at Rysden. He gives me a soft smile, but it’s obviousthe moment between us is over. “Get some sleep.” The second he turns away, I open my door and slip inside. I’m in my bed a few minutes later, but it takes a while for my mind to slow so I can sleep.

The next morning after sleeping late because of our late night, I head to the dining area, only to stop when I see several strangers sitting at the table. “Um, hi.”

Rysden enters the room behind me. “Good, you’re awake.”

“Good morning to you too.”

He gives me a small smile before turning to the strangers. “This is Farrah.”

“She is beautiful,” the man says, looking me over.

“Uh, thank you.” It comes out as a question.

“She is,” Rysden agrees. He turns to me. “They’re here to help you get ready for the Champion’s Ball this evening.”

“Pretty sure I can dress myself and get ready on my own.”

A chair slides back from the table. “Pardon me, Lady Mercy. While you are beautiful in your natural beauty, the ball is a time for you to shine. As the champion, all eyes will be on you. We will take what you already have and make you shine.”

I glance at Rysden. He steps close and speaks softly, so they can’t hear. “I wanted you to feel confident going into the ball tonight, but say the word, and I can send them away.”

“No, it’s fine. I can probably use all the help I can get.”

He frowns. “You’re beautiful just as you are.”

His words warm my heart. “Thanks, Rysden. It will be good to have help.”

“If you’re sure.”

I smile at him. “I am.”

His eyes dip to my lips for the second time in twenty-four hours. “That smile.” He reaches up and strokes my cheek, just like he did last night. “I would kill for that smile.” His low words send a shiver through me.

Somehow, I know he’s saying it literally. “Well, don’t. Let’s let everybody live today.” I pat his chest and turn back to the three women and one man. “Let me eat, and we can get to work.”

I know I told Rysden I would need all the help I could get, but I really didn’t expect it to take all day. But here we are. I have literally been fussed over all day. There’s not a piece of me that hasn’t been scrubbed. My nails are so clean, I don’t even recognize them. And my hair—I’ve never seen it so red and soft. I can’t stop touching my curls, even though Vallis keeps pushing my hands away. He’s been intense all day. Every time he snaps his fingers, the girls rush to do his bidding. The man does not mess around; he takes his job very seriously. I stopped caring hours ago, though. Now, I’m just ready to be done.

“Would you please stop moving,” Vallis says.

“Sorry,” I mutter for at least the hundredth time today.

Finally, he steps back and runs his eyes over my face and hair. “Let’s get you dressed. The girls will assist you with your gown.”

A few minutes later, I stand before a full-length mirror and stare at the girl, no, the woman in the mirror. I barely recognize her, and yet, she’s me. My curls are perfect and soft and pinned up on the sides, while the rest fall down my back. My lips are painted red, matching my hair color. There’s kohl on my eyes, and it makes them look larger. My eyes drop to my gown. I’ve never worn something so exquisite. The dress is all black with an underlay of gold that you can see when I walk. It’s sleeveless with a v-neck and a large gold flower that wraps around my waist. It’s elegant and gorgeous.

“You look amazing, Lady Mercy,” Stacia, one of the girls who’s been helping me, says.

“Thank you; I owe it all to you girls. You’re miracle workers.”