Page 151 of Fearless

She presses her lips together in a soft smile before shooing mebehind the dressing screen. “Time to get you in your dress.”

Stripping among several strangers is the least of my concerns at the moment, so I don’t hesitate like a different version of myself would have. The cluster of maids crowd around me, helping each leg into the skirt and every inch of fabric to lie precisely as it should.

Stepping out before the mirror, I assess this altered dress. Its sleeveless bodice hugs me closely, draped in a flowery lace. Both delicate and bold, it sprawls over my skin while long lacy ties fall down the low back. Only a few buttons remain at the base of my spine, not so unlike the laces of my corset last night.

Laces that he loosened, replaced with lingering fingers. His skin was on mine, hot and cold and dripping with rain. Dress forgotten, fears abandoned, sins laid bare—

I shake my head, trying to shove thoughts of him away. Ellie’s concerned gaze stares back at me in the mirror. “Are you unhappy with the dress?”

“No,” I say quickly. Then again, to ease her mind. “No. It’s beautiful. I love it.”

One moment, she’s sighing in relief, and within the next, she’s dismissing each maid. They file out the door, allowing me to take my first deep breath all morning. I turn toward Ellie, pulling her hand into mine. “Thank you for everything. You’ve made me look like a queen.”

“I did nothing of the sort.” She tilts her head at me. “You have always been more powerful than you believe.”

I swallow. Nod slowly. “Calum will be here soon. He’ll walk me to the throne room when it is time.” I toss my head toward the door. “Now, go enjoy the wedding celebrations.”

Her brows furrow. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” I sigh wearily. “I think I’d like a moment to myself.”

She offers me a dip of her head. “My Queen.”

As soon as she slips out the door, I eagerly shut it behind her. My forehead falls against the cool wood, eyelids fluttering shut. I stand there for a long while and try to enjoy every last moment before meeting my fate.

It’s quiet now. This room. My thoughts. Even the inside of my mind sounds like acceptance.

I am getting married today.

No denial. No frantic urge to flee.

Blowing out a deep breath, I push away from the door at the same moment a knock sounds from the other side. My fingers are wrapped around the handle within the next second, turning it until—

A hand shoots out, halting the door before it can swing open. “Wait, it’s me.”

The king’s voice is slightly muffled, separated by the slab of wood. I lean forward, voicing my confusion to the thin crack between us. “Kitt? What are you doing here?”

“Look,” he mutters quickly, “I know we are not supposed to see each other. But… I wanted to bring you something.”

There is a soft thud when he places said something onto the floor. “My mother loved her jewelry, or so I’ve been told. And it’s all been collecting dust in this box for years.”

He pauses long enough to have me pressing an ear to the door, waiting for whatever words he’s struggling to say. “So, I was hoping you would wear something of hers.” Rushing on, he adds, “I obviously don’t know what your dress looks like, so I just brought the whole jewelry box for you to look through. I’m not even sure what is in here, really.”

I smile sadly. Nod even when he cannot see it. “I would be honored, Kitt.”

The relief in his voice is endearing. “Thank you. I just want a piece of her with me today, you know?”

My gaze falls to the steel ring on my thumb. “Oh, I know.”

A comfortable silence lingers between us. “I’ll leave this out here, then,” Kitt finally says. “Just give me about ten seconds to sprint out of sight.”

I laugh. “Brilliant plan.”

He stands to his feet, the sound of rustling clothes reaching my ears. “I’ll see you soon, Paedyn.”

And then the king is gone.

I stare at the door, my gaze tracing the grooved wood impatiently.

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