“You’d be forced to actually care what Callista thinks, and we can’t have that.”
The comfort of his presence, and the stillness of the library around them, wrapped her in ease at last. Before long, exhaustion claimed her, and she drifted into a deep, untroubled sleep.
Chapter 3
The quiet sanctuary of the library was shattered as Aurelia flung open the door, her cheeks flushed with exasperation.
“There you are!” she exclaimed, her voice bouncing off the high shelves.
Evelyne stirred, blinking drowsily as she lifted her head from where she’d slumped in the armchair. Her nap, it seemed, had come to an abrupt end.
Aurelia sighed, striding over in an elegant flurry of silk skirts. “Honestly, Evelyne, napping? And you—” She rounded on Cillian, who sat nearby, his eyes slightly unfocused. “Why didn’t you wake her? You know how much we have to do before the ball.”
Cillian blinked as though dragged back from some faraway thought. “I, uh…” He glanced at Evelyne, his brow furrowing. “She looked peaceful. I didn’t want to disturb her.”
Evelyne groaned softly. “Whatever has you in such a state?”
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” Aurelia said, irritated. “The entire household is in chaos getting ready for tonight, and you’re here sleeping like you don’t have a care in the world.”
Evelyne sat up, brushing her hair back. “Well, I can’t exactly care about the chaos if I’m asleep, can I?” She glanced at Cillian, who seemed distracted again, his gaze fixed on nothing. “Cillian?” she asked softly, tilting her head.
His golden eyes refocused, and he offered a faint smile. “Sorry. Just… thinking.”
Evelyne frowned slightly, noting how distant he seemed, but she chose not to press him. There were more important matters,apparently, given Aurelia’s hovering presence.
“Follow me. Now!” Aurelia insisted.
“Okay, okay.” Evelyne groaned and followed her sister out of the library.
Inside Evelyne’s chambers, Seraphine worked with the careful precision of a sculptor, her fingers deftly arranging Evelyne’s hazelnut curls into another intricate updo. A few loose tendrils softened the style, lending Evelyne an almost ethereal charm. She watched in silence while Seraphine’s hands brought the vision in the mirror to life.
Seraphine’s chosen gown for the evening hung on Evelyne’s frame like a second skin, its midnight-blue silk flowing in delicate waves. Tiny diamond embellishments adorned the neckline and hem, catching the glow of the room’s candles and sparkling like liquid starlight.
“You’ll have the entire room at your feet.” Seraphine stepped back with a satisfied nod, scanning Evelyne’s reflection as if evaluating a masterpiece.
Before Evelyne could respond, Aurelia bustled in, holding a small jar of shimmering powder, a mischievous grin on her lips. “Don’t move,” she commanded, dipping a brush into the jar and lightly dusting the glittering powder across Evelyne’s collarbone and the swells of her breasts.
“Aurelia!” Evelyne exclaimed.
“What?” Aurelia gave her an exaggerated look of innocence. “You’ll thank me later when every man in the room forgets how to speak.”
Seraphine smirked while Evelyne rolled her eyes and laughed. “I think you’re enjoying this a little too much.”
“Of course I am. But you should enjoy it too. You look breathtaking.”
The final touches followed: a precise sweep of liner that made Evelyne’s eyes seem brighter, almost hypnotic, and a rich berry hue on her lips to add a touch of daring sophistication. With every stroke and adjustment, she felt herself slipping further into the role expected of her tonight. When Seraphine and Aurelia finally stepped back, their work complete, Evelyne couldn’t help but take a second, more prolonged glance at her reflection. The woman staring back was radiant, and she even found herself captivated for a moment.
“Well?” Aurelia prompted. “Are you ready to conquer the ballroom?”
Evelyne inhaled deeply. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Then let’s make an entrance,” Aurelia declared, linking her arm with Evelyne’s.
Seraphine nodded approvingly as they left the chambers, the soft rustle of Evelyne’s gown and the click of their shoes echoing through the corridor. The night awaited, and with it, dozens of watchful eyes ready to fall on the vision she had become.
The grand ballroom of Duskwood Manor was a breathtaking display of wealth and magnificence. Crystal chandeliers cascaded from the ceiling like frozen waterfalls, their glow reflecting off the polished marble floor. Above, murals of mythical wolves prowling beneath glistening stars stretched across the vaulted ceilings, adding a touch of magic to the opulent space. Deep red and gold draperies framed the towering windows, casting an air of regal intimacy over the lively gathering.
Music filled the room as women in sweeping gowns of every shade glided about effortlessly, their silks and satins catching the light like rare jewels. The men, dashing in their evening coats, exchanged sly smiles and offered hands, their polished boots tapping in time with the rhythm of the dance. Across the room, clusters of mothers engaged in a silent battleof whispers, carefully orchestrating future unions while their daughters giggled behind fluttering fans.
