I’ve never been. It’s so far outside the palace grounds, and of course Father never lets us go further than our dance circle. But I’ve always dreamt of seeing it, ever since the evening of my fifth birthday – when Father had dancers from the opera house visit the palace.
I was so young, but I still remember almost every tiny, magical detail of my birthday show. Like the way the dancersmoved their bodies so fluidly to the music, and how their gowns shimmered under the lights as if coated in stardust.
I was so enchanted by their performance that I begged my father for dance lessons the moment the dancers had left. Of course he agreed – not that he could ever say no to little me.
“Where is the dress?” I ask breathlessly.
“Hanging in the wardrobe,” Meera replies, jerking her chin towards it.
Nerves rock my stomach. I shouldn’t want to wear it. It’s stolen. But maybe I can just have one small look, and perhaps touch the fabric. Just once.
Hurrying across the room, I swing open the doors of the wardrobe.
Great Stars above.
Hanging from the rail, on an ugly wire hanger far too unworthy for the delicate straps it supports, is the most beautiful dance gown I’ve ever seen.
The bodice is pure white, decorated with tiny silver crystals that look like stars, while little white feathers run along the low neckline. And the skirt… The skirt is even more breathtaking. Near the top, the soft tulle blends into the pure white bodice, while by the hem the tulle fades to a pale, glittering pink.
It’sgorgeous.
Tears well up in my eyes. I can’t help but run my fingers down the soft tulle. I just know if Blossom and Camellia were here they’d be in tears with me.
“Well, what do you think? Will it fit?” Meera shouts from her chair. “Put it on now so we can chop off some of the skirt if it’s too long. I’ve got my daggers here with me.”
I almost choke. “What?” The only person ever using a dagger around this dress will be me – to fend off any crazed assassins who see no issue with ‘chopping off some of the skirt’.
“Well? What’s wrong with it?” she grumbles, heaving herself out of the armchair.
“Nothing’s wrong with it!” I yell. “It’s perfect as it is. No need for any cutting!”
With a scowl, Meera plops back into her seat. “Hurry up and put it on, then. We don’t have long till the boss gets back, and we haven’t even made a dent in this make-up yet.”
Swallowing, I turn back to the dress. It really is beautiful. And even if it was stolen, it would be a shame to not wear it. Especially since I can’t imagine Meera will ever return it to the opera house…
That’s it. My decision has been made. I shall wear it for my dance and then take it back to the palace with me. Meera can consider it as stolen goods seized by the crown.
“Look away while I get dressed, please,” I request, biting down a smile as I pluck the dainty sleeves off the hangar.
Meera sneers. “Of course, Your Highness.” But thankfully, she turns away to watch the crackling fireplace.
14
AMARYLLIS
Within an hour I’m sitting at the vanity, fully dressed, and my hair is pinned Meera’s best attempt at an ornate bun. To my surprise, after a few minutes of bickering, I actually started to enjoy her company – especially when we tried using her cosmetics. I’m not used to doing my own make-up, and Meera’s efforts at helping only seemed to make it worse, but somehow we ended up with a look that blends well with my outfit.
The petal-pink cream above my eyes matches the sparkling hem of the gown, and rosy tint staining my lips brings out the colour in my cheeks. I hope my attire is suitable. And I hope that Kaz likes it.
Not that it matters what he thinks. Not at all.
“We’ve done well, Ami.” Meera grins. “The boss will be pleased.”
Suddenly, I’m grateful for the powder hiding my cheeks. “Thank you.” I clear my throat.
Meera’s smile drops. “You know you don’t have to do this, right? If it’s too much?” Placing her hand on the back of my chair, she lowers herself until our eyes meet in the mirror. “There’s a reason Bertie and I were shocked when you actuallyshowed up. None of us think this is a good idea, apart from the boss, of course.”
Shrugging, I shake my head. One job – that’s all it is. And Kaz will be with me the whole time.
