“You look wonderful,” Bethany says. “Katherine, you're talented. It suits her. Sit down Serena, and we'll finish getting ready.”
I comply, letting them fuss over my hair and face paint. The paint is as light as I like it, if I have wear it. None of the white paint, but a shine to my lips and kohl to my eyes. My hair is twisted and coiled and puffed in a style like none I've ever seen. I can't hate a woman who can do this to my hair. Though at this moment I wouldn't mind if she was back in Envado.
I sigh. “Thank you, everyone. You're the best of friends.” I turn to Katherine. “I wish you could come with us.”
“All I want is to see how everyone likes the gowns I created. Zade showed me a nook on the second floor where I can watch the party without being seen.”
“I'll have to be the jealous one then. This ball will be a better experience than last time I'm sure, but I wouldn't mind watching instead.” I try to hold back my creeping emotions. “I'll make sure to bring you something to snack on.”
Katherine says, “I admit, I've been wanting to try some of the Envadi treats ever since Waverly talked of them.”
“I'll be sure cook sends some,” Waverly says. “You'll be wanting to dine in Envado every night after this.”
A knock sounds. I jump from my chair. As Waverly moves to open the door, Bethany gives me a half smile.
“Is it time?” I ask.
Katherine fluffs my skirt out. “Back to the white. Perfect timing. He's already seen it, but it will be better with you wearing it.” She nods to Waverly who opens the door.
Zade stands at the entrance in a suit of black and a pearl colored cravat and folded handkerchief in his left pocket, same color as my dress. I realize he's been observing me while I've been perusing him. Heat floods my cheeks. I glance at Waverly.
“Everyone out,” she says.
Anxious to have the man she loves free of me.
Katherine gives my arm a squeeze. “You'll do great.”
“And don't forget to add sparkles to her hair,” Waverly tells Zade.
Really, something so simple seems unimportant at the moment, but he agrees.
“Don't forget to have them announce you,” Bethany says. “We'll make sure everyone is there and things are going smoothly.” How smoothly will they go with the events that are to come? “Smile Serena. And don't scare everyone with it this time. Oh, and plan your entrance to have your dress change to this one shortly after you arrive.”
“It will,” Zade says.
“Thank you,” she replies and they leave.
The room is back to being hollow, except this time Zade is here. I scrutinize my gloves, pearly to match my dress. Watching the sparkles in them is easier than looking at him. There's a warm glow to the fabric I didn't notice before. A sort of happiness not matched by my feelings.
I clear my throat. “Would you like to sit?”
“Would you?”
“Don't want to crease Katherine's dress before anyone has seen it.”
He steps closer to me. I resist the urge to step back. “Are you ready?”
No. “I'll manage.”
For a moment, he says nothing. He shifts like he's going to come closer, but then moves to stand by a chair, resting a hand on the back of it. “Have you thought about what I asked?”
“I have.”
“And?”
And don't ask this of me. I want freedom and you. Not to be tarnished while you marry Waverly. At least you'll be alive and free to leave the threats on your life, which is what I owe you after costing your life in the first place. I close my eyes to keep the tears from coming. “I'll take your offer.”
He nods.
A knock sounds.
“Come in,” I call.
Waverly slides in. Of course she does. I clamp my hands together.
“Everyone's here. Seems they're anxious to begin. Bethany wanted me to let you know. I think she's anxious, too.”
“Thank you,” Zade says.
“Is everything all right?” she asks. “You haven't fixed her hair yet.”
He walks to her. “Everything will be perfect. We'll be down in a moment.”
It hurts to see them together, but I don't want them to see how I feel.
“Soon then.” Waverly closes the door behind her.
Soon. They'll be together soon. Unless Zade's plan doesn't work, then he'll be dead and I'll be with Father. Even if it does, I'll be tarnished. Becoming tarnished isn't so bad, I remind myself. I keep reminding myself.
He moves closer to me. “May I spell your hair?”
“Yes.” Despite becoming more accustomed to magic, the thought of allowing someone to spell me still makes me uneasy. I remind myself it's Zade and it's easier to turn around so he can reach the back better. “How long will these last?”
“About eight hours.” There's a flash out of the corner of my eye. “All done.”
When I face him again, my breath catches. It's so hard not to lean closer to him.
“Shall we?” Zade holds out an arm for me.
What is he doing?
“You put your hand here.” He points at his elbow.
“Why?”