“She is a woman of many surprises.” I had spent months trying to figure her out.
“It is even more curious that you would know that,” Novena said.
“I know the entire royal family well. It’s part of my job.” I ran my fingers through my hair. “Her sister is most protective of her.”
“It is wonderful to hear that they’re close, especially now that Estlen and Nythrel have started such a prosperous relationship.” Novena turned from me.
There was something seriously wrong with that woman.
Her calm was chilling.
Her words were laced with something.
“If we’re going to get our hair done, we should go do so. The princes will expect us back by the afternoon.” Novena gestured toward a billowing white tent in the middle of the marketplace. “Lord Fyn, you will wait here with the men. It is a ladies only space.”
I watched Ashlyn walk off without me.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
ASHLYN
Three women with vibrantly hued hair stood in the middle of the tent.
“It is an honor to receive you both today, Princess Novena and Princess Ashlyn,” a woman with violet hair said. “I’ve received instructions for you both.”
“Splendid. It is very important the purple be darker this time. The prince prefers it that way and the sun keeps lightening the color.” Novena tugged on her hair.
“We will see what we can do,” the woman replied. “And I have the list of colors that Prince Soren is considering for his bride to be.”
He truly did send a list of colors for me—like he was already staking his claim. I gripped the smooth fabric of my gown. “What are they?”
“Pale rose, white, or golden,” she said. “Which would interest you?”
Glass jars lined the wooden shelves set at the back of the tent. Petals of flowers and shriveled bits of fruit poked out of boldly colored powders.
A dreamy blue caught my eye. It was nearly the same shade as my gown. “This is what I want.” If they agreed, I would see how much he cared for my fire.
“It is a lovely blue, Your Highness, but the prince?—”
“Will be surprised to see something even more magnificent.” No one could talk me out of it.
Novena fought the way her lips curved. “Ashlyn, he will have expectations when you return.”
“Let’s surpass them then.” I pointed to the jar I chose.
The woman with the violet hair pulled it from the shelf. “I’ve never used it on someone with such light hair before. It’s sure to be as bold as your gown.”
“I do like it when things match.” I pulled my waves to the front of my dress.
It was time I said goodbye to the color my mother and brother wore. The last bit of Bailoc’s history I could erase from myself.
“It sounds like there will be no talking her out of it. But when Soren asks, I will claim I had nothing to do with it.” Novena sat in a chair.
“If he is angry, only I will be to blame. I can’t imagine he’d be angry over something so simple as my hair.” I felt my lie the moment I said it.
My stomach tightened when I heard Fyn speak to the guard on the other side of the curtain.
He would make some comment the moment he saw it—maybe he’d even think I was foolish.
