Page 39 of A Rose Among Snakes

We 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’supdates 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 knowthat,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.

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