“It is,” she agreed quickly, stepping toward me. Her dress swayed softly with the movement. “But… if it’s okay, I could clip it back. Very simple. If you want.”
She held up the silver clasp, its filigree delicate as frost.
Her tone was careful—like she was testing the edge of a wound she couldn’t see.
Internally, I almost rolled my eyes. But outwardly, I just nodded.
“Fine.”
Maddie moved behind me, slow and tentative, as if one wrong motion might send me retreating. Her fingers brushed through my hair, light as breath.
I flinched at the contact—reflexive, unintentional. She stilled. Said nothing.
Then resumed, even gentler than before.
She didn’t take long. Within moments, my hair was pinned up—neat, elegant, distant from my skin.
She stepped back, studying her work, then smiled softly.
“There,” she said. “That’s better. Now you’re perfect.”
“Thanks,” I spoke quietly.
“Is Slade waiting outside?” Maddie asked gently. “Will he be escorting you?”
“Probably,” I muttered.
She smiled faintly. “I’m personally hoping Lacey will be there. She’sstunning. I’m thinking of asking her to dance.”
That earned a glance from me—brief, but sharper than I meant it to be.
Maddie shrugged, a little self-conscious but not embarrassed.
“Someone should have a good night,” Maddie said, not quite looking at me.
“You’re right,” I replied quietly. “I hope you do.”
She looked over at that—surprised, maybe. Then smiled. It was probably the first genuine one I’d seen all night.
“Are you ready to go?” she asked, smoothing down the front of her dress.
I looked toward the door… then back at my room.
“Soon. You go ahead.”
“Elle—”
“I’ll come,” I snapped—sharper than I meant to. “I told the queen I would.”
Her smile faltered. Just for a second. But I saw it—that flicker of hurt she didn’t bother to hide.
“Okay then,” she said softly. “I’ll see you there.”
And just like that, she turned and walked away, leaving me alone with the silence.
I let out a breath and turned back to the mirror. My reflection looked just as tired as I felt.
I wanted to rub my face, erase the edge in my voice. I hadn’t meant to hurt Maddie.
