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Digging my face into the blankets, I tried to pretend this was all a bad dream.
By the time the twins came to dress me, I had emptied myself of tears.
Ara sat on the edge of my bed while her sister gathered a dress from the wardrobe. “How are you feeling?”
“Lord Demious was here . . . he said . . . he picked me.” The words came out in a jumbled mess.
“I’m happy he chose you,” Ara said, then lowered herself to my face. “But I know someone who won’t be.”
Ignoring the shock of her hinting at Baine, I risked asking. “Is he hurt? Demious mentioned a guard.”
“Not him. He whisked you away as soon as your magic spent, and you were standing there naked.”
“Naked?”
Ara giggled. “All the servants know Baine can move like the wind, but I’ve never seen him act so quickly.”
My heart swelled knowing Baine was safe and he had protected me. “I don’t want to marry Lord Demious.”
Ara’s sister walked over, and we ended the conversation. “I think this is a fitting dress for the announcement, don’t you?”
Luna held up a satin rose-hued gown with a sweetheart neckline and beaded bodice, a revealing, but extraordinarily beautiful dress. “You must be so happy.”
When Luna walked away, Ara patted my shoulder. “It’ll work out. Marrying Lord Demious was why you came here, right?”
I couldn’t tell her the truth. I nodded, pretending my entire world wasn’t shattering. Not only would I be forced to marry a man I didn’t love, but what about Baine? Would I be forced to be near him every day knowing we could never be together?
Numbness replaced the worry as the twins laced and prodded, primping me to perfection. Even though the face in the mirror exuded beauty and confidence, part of me was dying inside.
Did I make a mistake in staying here?
“It’s time, miss.” Ara placed a gentle hand on my arm. “Everyone is meeting in the dining hall.”
Did Baine already know? If only there was more time. I wished I could talk to him, to make a plan. My chest ached, a deep hollow pain encompassing every thought.
When we reached the landing near the grand staircase, Lord Demious stood at the bottom of the stairs, smiling, Baine beside him. Dressed in all black, the sorrowful expression on his face looked as dark and dangerous as his clothes. Did he already talk to Lord Demious?
I grabbed the railing to steady myself, hoping I didn’t faint and roll my way down.
“You look magnificent.” Lord Demious kissed my hand before looping my arm around his—I didn’t miss the fury in Baine’s light eyes. “Are you ready to share the good news?”
“Actually, I need a few moments in the washroom. May I meet you inside?”
“Of course.” Lord Demious kissed my hand again and I forced a smile out.
I turned, dress gathered in my hands and rushed toward the washroom.
Tears fell as I burst through the door and shut it behind me.
Staring at the mirror on the wall, I cried, forcing myself to think past the sadness and fear.
Moments later, the door swung open, and Baine walked in.
“Baine?”
He locked the door behind him.
Before he could speak, I threw my arms around his neck, crying. “I’m so glad you’re safe. I should’ve listened to you. I’m sorry. What are we going to do?”
