Page 69 of The Kingdom of Eternal Ice
I help Simin braid her hair into a beautiful crown before she helps me with mine. I leave mine open for most parts, just having two small braids woven into each other. Then, we help each other with our masks.
“You look good, Simin,” I say, feeling touched to see my surrogate sister so happy and beautiful.
“You too, Azadeh.” She takes my hand. “This is your celebration today.”
“It’s ours,” I correct her. “So, let’s make the best out of it and have fun.”
She beams. “You’re right.”
Simin and I make our way out of our rooms and toward the end of the hallway, where Kilah is waiting for us. Her eyes widen when she sees us. “You both look fantastic,” she says.
“You do, too,” I say.
“Oh wait, I forgot my bracelet,” Simin says.
“Go and fetch it, we’ll wait,” I promise.
Simin hurries back to her room while Kilah and I remain in silence. “I’m actually a bit envious,” she admits.
“But you look beautiful, Kilah,” I assure her, stunned. She does look wonderful in the gown she picked. “The green looks fantastic with your skin tone and eyes.”
“It’s just… you will think it’s stupid, but I wish my body were better, more toned and not curvy. I feel like I’m too tall and that everyone always looks at me… just for the wrong reason.”
I feel my heart clench at her words. I wasn’t aware how deeply her insecurities ran. “Nothing is wrong with your body,” I say quietly. “Your height makes you look regal and-”
“And strong,” she adds sadly.
“What’s wrong with looking strong?” I want to know.
“It’s just… I want to look more like a princess,” she admits.
“Oh, Kilah, but you DO look like a princess.” I’m not sure what to tell her. She is perfectly fine the way she is. If she would stop trying to force a certain image on herself, she would realize how great it is to be confident and strong.
“All my siblings are so much better at something; they are all special in one way or another.” She sighs. “I wish I could be you.”
“I wish I would be less meek and more confident,” I tell her honestly. “I’m far from perfect.”
“You are confident,” Kilah blinks. “At least you look like you are.”
“It’s just an act so that no one realizes how scared I am. In fact, I am not even sure who I truly am,” I say quietly. “I know how you feel.”
“But you are so special, so much that there are rumors about you. You are a beauty to behold; everyone turns their heads to look at you.”
“Does it matter, though?” I ask her. “When no one talks to you or dares to look you in the eye, does it matter that you are beautiful? I know how it feels to be lonely amidst people.” I smile sadly. “See, we are not that different.”
Kilah takes my hand and squeezes it. “If you ever feel alone, you can talk to me.”
“And, if you ever feel insecure, you can talk to me.”
She smiles at me. “So, I guess I have to woo them with my tall, curvy body tonight.”
“And I’m actually glad I can hide behind a mask.”
We both chuckle slightly. We don’t say any more about this issue, as Simin comes racing back to us. “I actually had to dig through my wardrobe.” She groans. “I can’t believe I always lose my stuff.”
“But, you found it, at last,” I smile, linking arms with her from one side, while Kilah links hers from the other side. “It’s time to celebrate.”
The ball Kilah and Alana organized leaves me speechless. I had seen the decorations and the plans beforehand, but seeing it all come together is amazing. Alana notices us instantly and comes hurrying towards us. “You ladies look great,” she says, impressed.
