Page 34 of Tricky Princess
Florence ignored her, pushing her toward the bathroom that had steam billowing out of the shower. “Go shower, we’re running out of time.”
“Don’t you two need to get ready?”
“We happen to be clean and don’t smell of wine and kitchen demons”
Ellea stuck her tongue out at the small woman who was quickly becoming a friend and headed into the scalding shower. She thought they were both being dramatic, but quickly washed and stepped into the towel Florence held up for her. She had changed into a billowing ball gown while Ellea was getting washed up. Florence used magic that Ellea was extremely jealous of to quickly dry and style her hair. It would have taken her ages to dry and straighten her hair without it. Her makeup was made up of harsh eyeliner, dramatic blush that made her round cheeks look sharp, and a plum lipstick that was practically black.
The whole process was a rush of delicate hands, grumbling from both women, and then a rude shove to the bedroom where a deep purple gown hung from her dresser. It was as beautiful as it was different; one long sleeve was covered in gold beads and the other stopped at the shoulder. It also had a dramatic slit in the left side of its heavy skirt. But Ellea was more excited by the two gold daggers glimmering on the bed. She rushed for them, passing her doors, causing Duhne to curse and hide his face from her nakedness. Ellea didn’t care, but magicked the doors shut with barely a thought as she took in the amazing detail.
Florence sidled up next to her and picked up the other dagger. “I figured you could create a comfortable holster to match.”
“These are gorgeous,” Ellea whispered, caressing the sharp edge.
They were a simple shape, but the intricate designs swirling in the middle made up for that. It reminded her of Ros’ great sword. Buttery black leather wrapped around the hilt.
“I’ve noticed you’ve only been carrying steel and obsidian.” Florence smiled warmly before reaching to grab the dress off the hanger.
“That’s all I can conjure.”
Using her powers, she fitted herself with a slim black holster on her left thigh to hold both daggers. It fit neatly along her waist and wouldn’t show under the dress—but the daggers would. It seemed fitting for her first dinner with the whole court. Florence had the gown unbuttoned and held it open for her to step into. Ellea was careful as she slid her arm through the embellished sleeve. Surprisingly, it was comfortable and allowed her to move freely. Florence buttoned her in before handing her each dagger.
“Perfect,” she said, brushing Ellea’s hair over her back.
“No crown tonight?”
“Not from me.” She pressed her lips together, almost hiding her smile, and helped Ellea step into a pair of strappy gold heels.
She summoned several gold, amethyst, and obsidian rings and handed them to Ellea. Just as she started to slip them on, there was a knock on the main door. The women entered the sitting room to find Duhne, pale and bent at his hip, bowing to the king. Ellea found herself feeling pity for Duhne until Azzy gave her a wink. Florence bowed next to her.
“Nephew,” he said, “can you and Florence please step outside while I have a word with Ellea?”
Duhne audibly swallowed before heading out to the hall, Florence by his side. The doors closed quietly, and Ellea raised her chin to the king.
“Asmodeus,” she said, noting his pocket square that matched the purple of her dress. He also wore a grand black and gold crown with emeralds throughout the whole piece. It was a king’s crown, an ancient and wild one. The green and gold were bright against his black horns. They swept away from the sides of his head before turning back in sharp points, reminding her of a scorpion’s tail. He’d hidden them from her the first few days, so she was still getting used to them. She wondered if Ros would show her his.
“Oh, now, now darling,” he said, walking up to her. “Keep the formalities for when we are surrounded by the beasts and monsters.”
“Should I be worried?” She searched his face for any hint of what to expect.
“A little,” he said before his hands dipped into shadow.
When they reappeared, he held a beautiful crown of black and gold. The base was the body of a snake, and in its center, surrounded by two black birds with emerald eyes, was a hound. The hound’s teeth held a beautiful amethyst. He placed it on top of her head, and it fit snugly, not moving and not too heavy. She found she was standing a bit taller than before. Cocking her head a little, she tested its stability, and Azzy chuckled.
“You will still be able to look at people sideways tonight with this crown,” he said, grabbing her chin gently and straightening her head.
“Thank you,” she said, looking into his hazel eyes. “If it wasn’t for this week, I’m not sure I would be ready for tonight.”
Even though he was the reason she was here. She shooed away that thought.
“I couldn’t hide you away any longer; the vultures are circling. Tonight, you will need to figure out what kind of beast you’re going to be.”
She searched his face; it had gone cold, something she had only seen glimpses of before.
What kind of beast was she?
Perhaps a blackbird, bringing death and shrouded in mystery. A hound, vigilant and strong, with sharp teeth and claws? Or was she a snake, cunning and seeking answers no matter the cost?
“What if I want to be all of them?” she whispered.
