Page 137 of Crown of Briars
I needed to look more closely into my own court. I needed to use the shadowstone.
Just the idea of touching that cursed stone made me want to retch. It had been the tool that had brought about the witch’s demise. It had glowed white with her curse.
It felt like a bad omen to use such a jewel.
But what choice did I have? I needed to figure out what was happening in my kingdom.
I itched to open my gemstone bag and ensure the rose jewel was safely inside, but I didn’t want to tinker with the stones around Ramia and Enzira. The rose jewel and the shadowstonewere powerful, and I didn’t want to risk injuring either of them. Or drawing them into another memory from the rose jewel.
Enzira helped me into a satin turquoise gown that hugged my body like a second skin. The long skirt fell to my toes, and elegant tapered sleeves extended just past my elbows.
It covered far more of my skin than I was accustomed to. Since I’d arrived in the Shadow Court, most of my dresses had been borderline scandalous by Earthen standards.
“It’s quite lovely,” Ramia said with an approving smile.
I arched an eyebrow at Enzira. “Where did this dress come from?”
“A gift from the king.” Her mouth pinched as if she were trying to hide a smirk.
I inspected the sleeves and the skirt with fresh eyes. It was certainly a beautiful gown.
I snorted. “So his plan is to avoid me and dress me in gowns that cover as much of my body as possible?”
The corners of Enzira’s mouth twitched. “It appears so.” She quickly added, “Perhaps he doesn’t want to repeat what happened at the revel.”
I knew Enzira was referring to Warwick and his threats. But her comment reminded me ofotherthings that had happened that night.
Things between Varius and me.
Warmth coiled in my chest at the reminder. The way his body had responded to mine. The heat of his hands on my skin. His shadows plunging into me over and over.
Thatwas what he was trying to avoid.
My stomach twisted. He was pushing me away.
I huffed in exasperation, then strode to the armoire. “No. He can hide from me all he wants, but I refuse to sit by and let him dress me how he likes as if I were some porcelain doll with no say in the matter.” I sifted through several gowns before I found a black one that caught my eye.
I smiled. “This will do nicely.”
Enzira approached me and hummed in agreement. “I think it suits you perfectly, my lady.” Her eyes sparkled.
Ramia made a soft choking sound. “It’s quite… revealing.”
“Which means it will fit in perfectly with the fashions of this court,” I said in Terrish.
Enzira helped me into it with ease, since there was no corset or petticoat. The bodice was made of sheer black lace that exposed every curve of my chest, the intricate floral design barely concealing my nipples. The skirt flowed outward, with sparkling silver leaves sewn in that shimmered with each movement. A long slit ran all the way up my right thigh, baring my leg with each step I took.
“Is there anything else I can help you with, my lady?” Enzira asked after she had pinned up half my hair, leaving the rest loose down my back.
“No, thank you, Enzira. You’ve been tremendously helpful.”
She beamed and pressed a fist to her chest. Before she left, I called out to her.
“Enzira? If you see my husband, will you tell him I’ll be in the library? Assuming he isn’t too much of a coward to face me.”
Enzira’s face flushed. “I’m not sure I should repeat thoseexactwords, my lady.”
“Please do. Tell him I threatened you with excessive force if you did not relay the message to him word for word.” I grinned, showing my teeth.
