So Kareen was already aware of the whole situation? Indeed, she was now observing Missandra, with a little smile upon her face. Cassandra immediately turned to her.
“Lady Kareen, would it be alright for my younger sister to stay here? She’ll be far safer with you.”
“Of course, my dear,” replied the Imperial Concubine. “I would love to get to know your only living family member. For now, she can act as one of my servants to blend in. She can even accompany me to the New Year Celebrations. That Old Dragon will make a fuss if I don’t at least make an appearance.”
“Older Sister, that’s…”
“She’s a good woman Missandra, you will be safe with her.”
“Why can’t I stay with you?”
“I have to be by My Lord’s side during the ceremony. Plus, I would rather keep your true identity quiet in the meantime. Others could use you to get to me.”
“So there are people who want you dead!”
“Yes, but don’t worry, I am fine,” insisted Cassandra, taking her hand. “Missandra, please? For me?”
The younger sister glanced at the three people behind her, still unsure. She eventually nodded, tightening her grip on her sister’s hand.
“Fine… but it’s only because I trust you, Cassandra, not them.”
“The feeling’s mutual,” growled Shareen.
Cassandra smiled and lightly caressed her sister’s cheek.
“I’m so glad I finally found you!”
They hesitated a bit before tightly hugging each other. Cassandra was on the verge of tears, though they would have been happy tears. After nine years apart, she had finally found her younger sister; alive and well. She could barely believe it, she had dreamt of this day for so long.
Even as they moved apart, both sisters were reluctant to let go of the other’s hand.
“Cassandra, you should go and get ready, dear, or you’ll be late,” said Kareen. “Don’t worry, your younger sister is in good hands. I’ll make sure no one notices her.”
“Where are you going?” asked Missandra, worried again.
“I’ll be right back, I promise.”
Cassandra smiled at her sister, before following her Prince outside. She felt anxious to be parting with Missandra, even if it was just for a short while. However, the Imperial Concubine was right, she had to get changed before the start of the ceremony.
The New Year Celebrations were special in the Dragon Empire, inciting joy throughout the entire country.
Upon their return to the Prince’s apartments, Cassandra was shocked to discover half a dozen Imperial Servants waiting to help her get ready for the ceremony. Before she could utter a single word, she was swept into a whirlwind of hands, pampering every inch of her skin and hair.
The War God’s fearsome aura, as usual, intimidated most of the servants, who all avoided his piercing gaze. He only required the assistance of one to help him put his armor on and so he was ready long before his concubine. As he waited for her to finish, he silently watched her. A small smile gracing his face as he delighted in the sight of Cassandra being pampered and beautified by the servants.
Cassandra’s shyness was adorably innocent, she kept blushing at any compliment and each accessory given to her. He knew his father had sent a lot from the Empire’s precious treasury. Every piece of jewelry she wore was dazzling on her skin. It was mostly diamonds, gold, and emeralds that accentuated her pale skin and sparkling green eyes, along with her pink dress. The dress itself was exquisite. Little diamonds that were embroidered into the bodice sparkled when they caught the light, while several long layers flowed around her each time she moved. It was seductive enough for a concubine’s apparel, yet the pale pink and delicate fabric left a hint of innocence and purity.
Cassandra felt relieved when all of the servants were finally chased out by her Prince. She had never been comfortable with crowds, especially not crowds of Imperial Servants all surrounding her to touch and manipulate her.
She looked at herself in the mirror, fascinated by the stranger gazing back at her. Was that really the woman who was a worthless slave a few months ago? Now, she truly looked like a Princess. Even her hair had been styled beautifully, with little braids and some sparkling gold jewelry in it. She turned to Kairen with a shy smile and walked up to him. She had noticed how much the Prince enjoyed seeing her getting all dressed up, compared to her usual simple looks. Cassandra knew it also satisfied him to see her adorned in pink, leaving no doubt of her current status.
“I want to take you right here and now,” he whispered.
“Can we wait until after the celebrations?” Cassandra chuckled. “I think I really like this dress.”
He smiled and pulled her in close to him. They exchanged a long, tender kiss. As he was sitting and she was standing, Cassandra wrapped her arms around him to caress his neck and hairline, a gesture she loved doing. After all the events that day, she was happy to be back in his comforting embrace. She was slowly realizing just how much she loved to have him close, and how much she missed him when he wasn’t.
“Are you happier now?” he asked.
