24. Chapter 24

twenty-four

T he days that followed blurred into a whirlwind of for Kallessa.

Nevander’s hands, calloused yet gentle, guided her as she nocked an arrow. The string thrummed, vibrating through her fingers as she released. Bull’s eye. Her triumphant grin mirrored his, a shared secret in a sea of onlookers at the women’s archery tournament.

She watched him fence, mesmerized. Nevander moved like quicksilver, his blade an extension of himself. Sweat glistened on his brow, and Kallessa’s breath caught as he disarmed his burly, red-bearded opponent with a flourish.

They’d sat through elaborate dinner parties, her corset digging into her ribs, a constant reminder of the facade she maintained. She navigated the labyrinth of court etiquette, stealing glances at Nevander across candlelit tables.

There was scarcely a moment to catch her breath.

Yet through it all, Kallessa found herself drawn inexorably to Nevander’s side.

Amidst the chaos, they found stolen moments. Hidden alcoves in sprawling gardens became their sanctuary. Horseback rides through rolling hills offered freedom from prying eyes.

And each morning, she waged an internal war. This isn’t real , her mind cautioned. It will end soon . But her heart blissfully ignored her mind’s warnings, running recklessly toward Nevander’s warmth without a single regret.

Two weeks vanished like morning mist, leaving only two days until the festival’s end. Dread coiled in Kallessa’s stomach as she returned to her rooms after a ride with Nevander.

A letter awaited her on the nightstand, its crisp parchment bearing the royal seal.

Lady Kallessa,

You are required at the masquerade ball this evening in the grand ballroom. Your costume has been provided for you.

Sincerely,

Prince Castien Ravenbluff

P.S. Don’t make me forget to tell princess Ciana about your asinine riding skirt.

Kallessa chuckled. Prince Castien was an enigma. She laid the letter aside and opened the box. Pulling back the tissue, she gasped. An impossible gown of peacock teal and burnished gold winked back at her in the last light of dusk. She pulled it from the confines of the box.

The dress shimmered, reflecting a dazzling array of royal blues, emerald greens, and burnished golds that danced like sunlight on rippling water. It was a masterpiece, flawlessly tailored and adorned with lavish beadwork.

Two small boxes held jewel-encrusted slippers and an exquisite mask made from delicate peacock feathers.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. A maid stood outside .

“I’m here to fix your hair and dress you, my lady.”

She hadn’t had anyone’s help before. But, looking down at her disheveled appearance, she could guess who’d sent this maid. As she let the girl into the room, she asked, “Did the prince send you?”

She curtsied. “Yes, my lady.”

Of course he had.

“Please sit here, my lady.”

As Kallessa sat at the dressing table she said, “Please just call me Kallessa.”

The maid took her brush in hand and started working through Kallessa’s tangles.

“Yes, my lady.”