Chapter 007

As I soaked in the warm bath, Maya's words lingered in my mind. "Different." What did that mean? And what lay ahead tonight?

The water's warmth seeped into my muscles, relaxing my tense body.

Maya chatted softly, her voice distracting me from my worries. "You'll love the dress we picked out for tonight. It's one of the finest in the territory."

I nodded, giving her small smile.

As I finished bathing, Maya helped me into the a robe. The cotton fabric hugged my body in the most comfortable snuggle, shimmering in the candlelight.

Sophia entered the room, giving me a bored look.

“You need to eat before we take you out there.”

“ I’ll get someone to arrange something quickly,” Maya said, tuning out of the room.

Megan scoffed, sitting on the bed with her legs crossed.

“Sit, let’s do something about your hair,” Sophia commanded.

I slowly walked over to the vanity, pushing back the chair adorned with red velvet and gold just like the one in the carriage. I took a seat and allowed Sophia to tug and pull my hair in different directions, for her satisfaction.

Few mintiest passed and Maya returned with a tray of food.

The tray held:

Steaming vegetable soup with a swirl of creamy broth.

Freshly baked bread, warm from the oven, served with a side of sweet butter.

A delicate salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado.

Pan-seared chicken breast, flavored with herbs and spices.

A selection of succulent fruits – strawberries, grapes, and pineapple.

A delicate pastry, flaky and golden, filled with a sweet berry filling.

I gulped, my mouth watering.

“Eat before we fix your face.” Sophia said, leaving me with Megan and Maya as she walked into my closet.

I dived right in finding comfort in the flavors and textures. The warmth of the bread and soup soothed my stomach, while the fresh fruits and salad provided a refreshing contrast.

As i ate, Maya chatted softly, by my side trying to distract her from the impending meeting with Alpha Kael.

"Try the pastry, it's made by our finest baker," Maya suggested.

I smiled, taking a bite. The flaky crust melted in her mouth, releasing a burst of sweet berry flavor.

"Delicious," i hummed, closing my eyes as I felt nerves gradually relax.

“I know right?” Maya said, her eyes shining in utter happiness. She was cute and childish. I gave her the sweetest smile I could muster.

After I was done eating, the tray was moved by Megan as she crumbled out of the room.

“I think I just made my first enemy,” I said lightly to Maya.

She laughed, “well that will be one out of a thousand.”

Sophia stepped out of the closet holding the most exquisite gown I had ever seen.

“Close your mouth before you swallow a fly,” she said, placing the gown on the bed.

I snapped my mouth shut, looking away in embarrassment.

“Sit.” She said, less commanding this time.

In few minutes she worked magic on my face, I stared back at myself on the mirror and couldn’t even remember what I use to look like.

“Don’t get used to it, it’s just for tonight.” Megan’s voice rang out in a cold sneer.”

“Ignore her Astrid, you look beautiful already.”

“Enough with the side comments, let’s get you dressed before Alice comes and wipes us away from the surface of earth.” Sophia interrupted.

I got up walking to the bed, as she helped me into the dress.

I walked over to the full length mirror that stood at the corner of the room, my reflection was nothing I had ever dreamed off. I stood with my moth gaping wide, the dress It fitted perfectly like it was made just for me.

It was a stunning masterpiece that accentuated my features. The gown's design was a perfect blend of elegance and sophistication, crafted to showcase beauty.

The gown was a floor-sweeping, silk masterpiece in a deep, rich shade of midnight blue. The color complemented my skin, making it glow in the candlelight.

How much had the put into getting the dress ready for me?

The thought alone made my heart flutter, maybe this wasn’t going to be all bad. I smiled in my head.

The bodice was fitted, showcasing my slender waist and subtle curves. Delicate lace trimmed the neckline, framing my face.

The sleeves were long and flowing, with tiny crystals embroidered along the edges. These sparkled like diamonds as I twirled slowly, casting a mesmerizing glow on the floor.

The gown's skirt fell in soft folds to the floor, with layers of sheer silk underneath, With each turn the skirt rustled softly, drawing attention to my movements.

My raven-black hair cascaded down my back like a waterfall of night. Loose waves framed my face, highlighting striking features I’m just realizing that I had.

A delicate silver necklace with a crescent moon pendant was placed on on neck, adding a touch of ethereal beauty. The pendant seemed to glow in harmony with the crystals on the sleeves.

"For you," Maya said softly, her eyes warm.

Megan lingered in the doorway, her gaze cold.

I smiled, this all seemed like a dream, a dream I didn’t want to wake up from.

Sophia came to stand in front of me, adjusting the neckline of the dress.

“Tonight, you speak to no one unless spoken to, don’t eat and only take a sip of wine that will be handed to you by Alice.”

“She’s not a child Sophia,” Megan rolled her eyes.

“She doesn’t know our customs, we don’t want her dying before her coronation.” Sophia said blandly.

A cold wind blew into the room, I shivered.

“Maybe that will be my biggest answered prayers this year.” Megan hissed.

“Come. It’s time.” Sophia said, completely ignoring Megan.

Maya hooked a hand over my shoulders, “just remember to keep breathing, no matter what you see tonight.”

I nodded, even though all the instructions seemed very weird. We walked out of the room, Megan bumping my side harshly, I looked out the window just before we left the room.

It was already dark outside the window and the drumbeats from the distance were getting louder and closer.