Women and their daughters passed us, shooting glances my way.
“I’m sorry. This is completely inappropriate.” I wiped at the tears, sniffling.
Gabrielle pushed me to arm’s length, her hands still on my shoulders. “So it seems we both carry guilt for things that aren’t our fault.”
“How can you say that?” I asked. “Did you just hear anything I said?”
Gabrielle gave me a soft smile. “What I heard was a story about a girl who missed her mother and was afraid she was being replaced. You acted like a bratty fifteen-year-old, and yes, your actions were wrong. But your stepmother cannot blame you for her choices. Those were all her own.”
I wasn’t sure I believed Gabrielle, but nonetheless, her words made me feel better, lightened a burden I hadn’t known I was carrying.
“What are those?” I pointed to blue ribbons tied around wooden posts. Now that I’d noticed them, I realized the blue ribbons were everywhere.
“It’s an homage to the water spirit. Normally, at this time of year, we’d be preparing for a grand ball at the castle, with everyone in Apolis invited. It was our most treasured tradition here.”
My eyes widened. “Today? The ball is supposed to be today?”
Gabrielle nodded. “Another thing we’ve lost.”
I stared at the ribbons. “No.”
Gabrielle flipped her auburn braid over her shoulder. “No what?”
“No, you haven’t lost your traditions. You haven’t lost your ability to celebrate the water spirit.”
“What are you saying? That we should throw a ball with half our citizens missing?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
The guards shot looks at each other, Leoni scowling, which I was starting to think was the only expression she knew how to make.
Gabrielle looked at me like I was crazy. “We can’t throw a ball.”
“Why not?” I threw out my arms. “Your people need hope, Gabrielle. But more than that, they need something to celebrate. Just because you’re grieving doesn’t mean you can’t find moments of happiness. I think now more than ever you need a reason to look for the joy in life.” I grabbed her hands. “What better way to find that joy than with dancing and music and food?”
A slow smile came to Gabrielle’s face. “A ball.”
“You can’t be serious,” Leoni said, but the other guards were smiling too.
Gabrielle gave a nod. “Spread the word. I want everyone in attendance tonight, wearing their finest dresses and tunics. Apolis is going to celebrate.”
Leoni snorted. “A ball? We’re just going to ignore what’s happening and... dance?”
Gabrielle looked at me. “We’re going to find the joy.”
Chapter Forty-Four
Gabrielle insisted that we get ready together. We spent all afternoon trying on dresses, her tailors coming to cinch our waists, to ensure that the dresses fit perfectly. We got our hair and makeup done, and I had to admit, I loved it. I loved feeling like a princess again after so long feeling like anything but.
I couldn’t help my envy over Gabrielle’s long waves that hung down past her shoulders, her red strands shining and voluminous. With my shoulder-length black hair, I had little to work with, but the lady’s maid curled my strands into soft waves and tied green ribbons in that matched my green dress Gabrielle loaned me.
When I stood in front of the mirror staring at myself, I realized I liked what I saw. No, I no longer had my beautiful long hair, but I could get used to this new look.
The sleeves of my dress hung off my shoulders, exposing my collarbone. The bodice clung tight to my mid-section, and the skirt hung loose down to my golden-slippered feet. It was gorgeous. Fit for a princess. A queen.
“Are you ready?” I turned to see Gabrielle, stunning in a form-fitting golden dress that clung to every inch of her curvy body.
She lifted up the skirt to reveal daggers strapped to her calves. She was always ready for a fight.
