“Did you ever tell him how she threatened you at your engagement party?” Hollie probes, her tone light.
I laugh, the memory feeling like it belongs to another lifetime. “No, and I won’t. We both want what’s best for him,” I start, pausing as a recent doubt creeps in. I’ve been questioning if I truly am what’s best for him, but Colton’s assurances dispel my fears. He wants this life as long as we’re together, and that thought alone brings a smile to my face.
Flora bursts into the room. “Time to wake up and get beautiful,” she announces.
Hollie stands, arms crossed. “Lyra’s been up for hours.”
Flora gives me a sympathetic look. “Nerves getting the best of you?”
“Err, something like that,” I reply, sliding off the bed.
“Okay, off you go! You can take a bath, or if you prefer, the bathing chamber down the hall has a shower. Stay on this floor. It’s bad luck to see the groom before the ceremony, and Colton knows to stay on the third floor,” Flora instructs, gesturing for me to hurry.
“Okay, I’ll take the shower. I promise I won’t leave this floor,” I assure her, seeing her relax slightly.
“Great! I’ll have some food brought up, and then we can start getting you ready!” she exclaims, and I head down the hall to the shower.
Chapter 30
Lyra
“So what timeis the ceremony supposed to start?” Lili asks, expertly weaving a strand of my hair into a braid from behind me.
I’m so happy she’s here. I wasn’t sure she would come after everything that happened in the Sorcerer Realm. Things are much more stable there now though with Bim currently overseeing everything.
“Promptly at 3:30 p.m. That way, the sun will be setting during the reception,” Flora explains, applying a touch of blush to my cheeks.
“That means you’ll probably be completing the ceremony right around the time you were born. How poetic,” Lili muses, securing another braid.
“What time was I born?” I ask, genuinely curious.
“At 4:03 p.m. I remember it like it was yesterday. Hard to believe it’s been nineteen years,” she reflects, and I can’t help but agree. It feels like the first seventeen years dragged on, then the last two flew by, especially this pastyear.
“There. Now you’re perfect,” Lili announces, securing one last pin in my hair. I turn to the mirror to see her handiwork—my hair cascades in loose waves, crowned with braids interspersed with tiny white flowers. Flora’s makeup enhances my features, giving me dark, dramatic eyes and soft, pink lips.
“I feel beautiful,” I admit, turning to see their reactions.
“That’s because you are beautiful! Now it’s time for your dress!” Flora crow, and Hollie claps excitedly from where she and Chepi are perched on a throw pillow on the couch. I haven’t seen the dress since my last fitting, and the anticipation of showing it to Lili and Hollie, who haven’t yet seen it, fills me with excitement. Only Flora and I know what it looks like.
“Come, I’ll help you get dressed in my room. Then you can come back and show everyone,” Flora says, her excitement palpable as she tugs me out of the room and down the hall.
Once we reach her bedchamber, Flora begins to remove my robe, her hands quick and efficient as she helps me into the dress. Without magic, the process would be a nightmare of laces and ties. Instead, with a wave of her hand and a snap of her fingers, I’m perfectly fitted.
She nudges me toward the mirror and steps out, allowing me a moment alone to take in my reflection. Seraphina has outdone herself. The gown is beyond my wildest dreams, a true work of art. The bodice features a daring low V-neck, adorned with white crystals that catch the light with every movement, like stars against my skin.
The luxurious white lace flows from the crystal-studded bodice, expanding at my knees into a voluminous skirt that cascades to the floor. Silver stitching weaves through the lace, adding an enchanting shimmer and complexity to the design.
What truly sets this gown apart is the shadow magic within the stitches—dark wisps that flow through the fabric, making the dress pulse with life, mirroring the beat of my heart. I turnslightly to admire the long, translucent cape extending from my shoulders, trailing behind me like a veil of mystery, infused with shadowy black designs that move with me. The entire ensemble is breathtaking. I can hardly recognize myself.
My makeup is bold, perfectly complementing the dress, and the tiny white flowers woven into my hair add a touch of innocence to my otherwise commanding appearance. In this moment, I truly feel like the Queen of Night. Dark enchantress, indeed... I giggle softly, imagining Colton whispering those words to me.
“How do you feel? Is it perfect?” Flora asks as she reenters the room, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“It’s perfect. I don’t know how to thank you. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. I’m going to miss you so much. I wish we could have met sooner—I really could have used a friend like you growing up,” I confess, my voice tinged with a bittersweet longing. She pulls me into a tight hug, her warmth enveloping me.
“Don’t talk like you’re disappearing. Being queen of Cloudrum doesn’t mean you can’t still visit Nighthold. I’ll visit you too. We’ll still hang out,” she assures me.
I force a smile, though my heart clenches with the weight of the truth. “Of course.” Only I know the truth—well, Colton and I know the truth, and I don’t think I’ll be seeing much of anyone after today. Flora might understand, but it’s better this way. Better no one knows until later. I wouldn’t want to ruin today.
