Page 98 of I Ran Away to Evil 3
I pulled out my fan with my free hand and hid behind it. “She’s wearing green.”
“I see.”
“The delphiniums were an add-on,” I offered. “But you have to admit the outfit looks great.”
He opened the door for me, and I stepped ahead of him, thankful for the magical equivalent of air conditioning that kept the palace cool. I needed it.
“You’re right, Miss Gerda.” Julian leaned down. His voice tickled my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. “You do look lovely in purple.”
Magical air conditioning, you have failed me.
CHAPTER 56
A Moment of Possessiveness
Julian
Julian wasn’t expecting Gerda to look so breathtaking.
And he wasn’t expecting to feel a slight twist in his stomach when she’d spoken about taking someone else to the ball.
And hewas notexpecting to feel a sense of accomplishment when his compliment left her speechless and flushed before he dragged her to the hall. Her light green skin darkened all the way down to her exposed collarbone, as did the tips of her long ears.
“Ger—Greetings.” Queen Henrietta was immediately on them as they walked into the hallway outside the ballroom, the Dark Lady almost slipping and using Gerda’s name. It was rude to reveal someone’s identity so early in the evening. Many in the room had magically changed their hair, eyes, skin, or fur color for the occasion. Some had even shapeshifted.
There was an enchantment on this room and the ballroom that helped obscure the guests to better assist in the fun of the masquerade … but no one was going to be fooled when Queen Henrietta was being her usual self and King Keith didn’t hide his single horn.
King Keith held his wife around the shoulders. The Dark Lord looked over their outfits, and his eyebrow twitched, but he simply nodded. “How was your afternoon?”
Julian smiled. “Informative.”
“Good.”
“I’m impressed you got matching outfits so quickly!” Queen Henrietta exclaimed, not one to hold back like her husband. Her eyes sparkled as she looked over Gerda. “You both lookamazing.”
“Thank you.” Gerda’s voice choked a bit, but she recovered. “So do you.”
The royals wore matching blue, each outfit having a high neck and not a single embellishment on the fabric. They chose, instead, to adorn themselves in heavy gemstone belts, brooches, and jewelry.
Probably all of them enchanted.
“I haven’t seen your hair down since the bridge battle.” Queen Henrietta admired the waves of dark emerald green that fell past the troll’s waist. It looked luscious, with enough volume to frame her figure without being too thick to run his fingers through …
Not that Julian was thinking about running his fingers through Gerda’s hair.
“It’s a bit of a pain.” The troll sighed wistfully, running a hand on a section that fell over her exposed shoulder. “But I love it.”
“I can imagine. I wouldn’t last through a single hairbrush before giving up.” The queen leaned in closer, smiling up at Gerda. “I know it’s not the right time or place,butI have a surprise for you!”
“What—?”
Henrietta pulled out a bag of cookies. Julian recognized them immediately.
“Stardust skirts?” Julian’s jaw dropped before he reached out to cover the cookies and Gerda’s hand. “Quick! Hide it before my mother sees!”
Gerda slipped them into her storage ring. “What are stardust skirts?”
“Only the most delicious baking I’ve ever had outside of your own!” The queen stuck both hands on her hips and nodded once.
