Page 41 of A Kiss From Death
She’s talking with her hands now, and I bask in her excitement, in awe of the little things that bring her joy.
“Obviously, the only correct answer to portray sexy with a splash of edge is red silk paired with a corset.” She points at my chest. “You know, to push your girls up. Then, from there, I just knew I had to involve a chain somewhere to edge it up. Next thing you know, I basically designed a dress to turn you into the goddess of sex. Tah-dah!”
I didn’t think she could get any more animated, but now, she’s flashing me some sort of jazz hands, slightly out of breath from word vomiting.
“I see.” I slowly roll the words off my tongue.
Des smiles from ear to ear. “I just knew you would see my vision. It takes a genius to spot a genius. Oh, wait, there’s more. I almost forgot the best part. Theaccessories!” she scream-sings in a wobbly tone that has me covering my ears.
She dashes back behind the screen, filling her arms with glittering items. She plops them onto the vanity with a loudclink. “Atfirst, I was thinking long, elegant, silky gloves, but I just know all the other bitches will be wearing those, and we aren’t going for tacky here. So, naturally, my brain went to a metal snake arm wrap embedded with black diamonds. This baby is going to be perfect.”
Looking down, I slide my fingers over the rough diamonds covering the entirety of the black metal snake’s back. It’s shaped to look like it’s slithering around someone’s entire forearm, with its head resting flat just below the middle finger on the back of the hand, the tail ending just below the elbow, ensuring I can still bend my arm.
“This is stunning, Des. I’m surprised there were any diamonds left in Lunaria after you made my bodysuit.”
She winks at me. “I’m pretty important around here. If I want something, I get it.” She slides the next item into view. “I couldn’t let your arm have all the fun, so I sort of made you a crown too.”
My eyes pop out of my head when I take in the crown. “Won’t the Empress be offended?”
She waves her hand in dismissal. “The Empress loves her themed balls. She would expect nothing less than perfection and class from each of her contestants. I wouldn’t be surprised if she still thought this outfit wasn’t expensive or on theme enough for her liking. You are now a reflection of her in a way, so the more diamonds the better.”
I nod, trying to wrap my brain around it all. Just weeks ago, I was starving and sleeping on a makeshift pillow-bed in a crumbling, mold-infused shack. Now, I’m fed three times a day, sleeping on a huge, lush bed, and wearing a crown worth more coins than I’ve made in my entire career as a spy.
The crown sitting before me is like nothing I’ve ever seen. Almost every inch of it is covered in bright red rubies. The halo has a collection of gemstones creating a sea of red. Jutting up from the base are spike-like points, each housing a heart-shaped ruby at the top. It’s the most eye-catching piece I’ve ever laid my eyes on.
Des moves in next to me, pointing at it. “It’s not just any regular crown, though. That would be boring, don’t you think?” She laughs to herself almost maniacally. “No, this is a magical crown. I had a Float imbue it with their flying magic, so it will hover just above your head, spinning like a carousel all night. Anywhere you walk, it will follow like an obedient pet. I’m a genius, I know.” She squeals while she spins; at this point, nothing she does phases me. This is just how Des is, always a character.
“You’re right. That is pretty genius.” I shove my shoulder into hers playfully. “Honestly, I was getting a headache thinking about that stiff thing being pinned to my head all night. So, really, I should be thanking you.”
“You know I love it when you praise me. Goes right to this big noggin of mine.” She knocks her fist on the top of her head, and then her cheeks flush a rosy pink.
Three knocks ring out,and I hear Des stride over to my door, flinging it open. “What do you want?” She spits the words at the stranger who’s now striding into my room. It can’t be Winston, because those two are thicker than thieves, who also love to gang up on me with their silly little pranks involving oranges most of the time.
Gathering my dress, I step out from behind the changing screen at the same time as two sets of wide eyes land on me. The first is Des, who now looks like she’s trying to hold back happy tears at her creation. The second is the thorn I can’t seem to rid myself of: Aeron.
“Wow,” he says under his breath, and I can’t tell if this is another one of his snarky comments, or if he’s being genuine for once.
Cautiously, I narrow my eyes at him. “Get all your crude comments out now so we can be done with it beforewe get to the ball.”
“You look… I mean… Just wow. I think I might be speechless for the first time in my life. You look absolutely stunning.” Aeron smiles, a genuine, soft smile, one I’ve never witnessed on his face and doubt I ever will again.
“You’re being serious? Did you catch a cold that has turned you delirious? Des, feel his forehead and see if it’s warm.”
“Ha, ha, real funny. Can I not compliment a pretty lady when I see one?” he counters.
I raise my eyebrows at him. “Not if your name starts with an A and ends with an N.”
“Well, then consider yourself lucky, because I’m feeling quite generous today. I came to ask if I could escort you to the ball. After seeing you in this dress, though, I think I would prefer to escort you home instead. That dress looks awfully hard to get off by yourself.” He winks.
Rolling my eyes, I add, “And there’s the asshole I know and loathe.”
He smirks back. “You know you love it when I talk dirty to you.”
“I feel like I’m disturbing whatever the heck is happening here. I just need to add Nyxi’s finishing touches, and I’ll be out of your hair. No ruining said hair or makeup until after she makes an appearance at the ball, though. I’m not trying to lose my job.” Des glares at Aeron in her best stern look, but it still comes off cute and non-threatening.
I take in my reflection in the mirror above my vanity. With a heavy suggestion from me, we decided to keep my hair down so my back would be covered. I’m not in the mood to answer anyone’s questions tonight. I know Des has seen my mangled back from helping me get dressed, but I appreciate that she hasn’t questioned me on it.
My long, thick natural curls bounce down my back, the front two pieces braided back and joined together with a red ruby heartgemstone clip. Des also sprinkled mini red gems throughout my hair, making it glitter like the night sky. The crown now floats just a breath above my head, and I can feel the weight of its magic looming above me.
