The last thing I want is to spend more time with her. She's been wonderful, but I can't handle being around Zade's love right now. “Why don't you get yourself ready? It's a big night for you, as well.” I wonder if she knows how big yet.
“I want to help you though, it's my job.” She stares at me a moment. “What if I brought my stuff back here? Then we could all get ready together.”
I force a smile. “Sounds nice.”
Before she leaves, Bethany enters the room. Her navy dress glitters with silver sparks of magic, hair twisted up between Chardonian strictness and Envadi freedom. A single tendril escapes behind her right ear. She must have already seen Zade because silver sparks also adorn her hair. Matching silver earrings and necklace glow faintly. Zade must have spelled those, as well. Her face paint is modest and becoming. A little red on her lips and cheeks. But the true beauty is the natural glow she exudes.
“She's ready, Katherine,” she says into the hall.
Finally, it's here. I'll get to see it. I wait for Katherine to enter with my dress. I don't know why I'm so nervous all of the sudden. Easier to be nervous over a dress than saving Zade and losing the freedom I've gained being with him.
Katherine appears in the doorway. She holds a gown of burgundy. It shimmers in the light. She brings it to me, a grin gracing her face. Without a word, I run my hand across it. It's as soft as flower petals. So many emotions course through me. I wish Cynthia was here. And mother.
I want to wear this. I want to be beautiful. Tonight at least. Zade may love another, but we're still connected from the engagement ceremony. I'll make that connection worth having one last time.
“Put it on,” Bethany calls.
Before I can move, the gown changes. It's a lovely green. The laces are on the sides and the arms go halfway down the dress. Simple, but gorgeous.
I suck in a breath. “What happened?”
Waverly beams. “Katherine made more than one gown and Zade spelled them together into one. It'll change every ten to fifteen minutes.”
The causal reference to Zade twists in my chest. I try to ignore it and center my attention back to Katherine. “You made me two gowns?”
She blushes. “Three actually. I was timing it so the best would be last.”
The twisting in my chest turns to tightening. I swallow. “You shouldn't have done so much. It's more than I hoped for. Just these two are stunning.” I stop before I begin to cry. “Thank you.”
“Let's get you into the gown before it changes again.”
“Yes, put it on,” Waverly says. “I'll be right back to see it.” She scurries out the door.
With Katherine and Bethany's help I change from my robe to the gown. It's not easy to get into like my new dresses, but I suppose for an occasion like this it's fine. If I waited until the first gown spelled back, I could manage on my own. It looked easy enough. This version still has a pocket with a slot to reach my gun. Knowing Katherine, they all do.
As they finish helping, I can't help but ask, “Is there a ring of green in my eyes?”
“Yes,” Katherine says. “I planned some of your gowns to help bring it out.
“Really?” Bethany twirls me around to check. “Subtle, but there. Why the sudden interest?”
The room warms. “No reason.”
Katherine's making a few adjustments when Waverly returns. “He said he'll be here soon.”
I look away from her grin. It's not that I don't want her to be happy, I do. It just hurts. I try to shove the feelings away.
“Hurry,” Katherine says. “Get in front of the mirror, it's already been thirteen minutes, it could change at anytime.”
Once in front of the mirror, I can't believe my reflection. The dress is perfect. And then it changes.
One moment I'm wearing a green dress, the next I'm in a dress the color of pearls. Definitely not dark enough, but I've never seen a color so suited to me. Tiny, clear jewels are sewn on the full skirt and snug bodice, making it glitter in the light. The cap sleeves flow into the square neckline. The only problem is my visible engagement mark. Despite that, I'm stunning.
“You can wear just this one for your wedding tomorrow if you want,” Katherine says. My wedding was supposed to be tomorrow. With planning the ball, I almost forgot. Just as well. “I know women typically wear black, but the Envadi wear white so you'll have an excuse. When I asked Zade, he said it would be a simple spell to unwind the dresses into three separate ones again.”
I pinch my lips together. I would have made the most spectacular bride Chardonia has ever seen. But it's just as well. I don't want to get married. Zade deserves to live, even if it means I have to give up everything.
“You're an artist, Katherine.” I embrace her, taking what comfort I can.
“Don't get tears on it.” She pulls back and holds out a handkerchief.
Accepting the proffered cloth, I laugh. It comes out sharper than I meant. I dab my face dry.