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"Yeah, saw them," Anver said, heading back in once the guys had the guns.
Wraythe simply turned his over in his hands. "I haven't been able to shoot this yet, you know."
"It's loaded," Talin explained. "Flick the switch on the side to unlock the trigger, then point it into someone's chest and pull your finger back. Don't do it if you don't want them to die."
"Easy," Wraythe agreed as he worked the holster onto his belt.
Talin had to balance his with his sword, but he made it work. And by the time Anver had given them their reload packs, I was finally finished. Amerlee and Shalsa stepped back, gesturing that I should stand. I did, carefully, since I could feel the dozens of golden chains in my hair and against my skin.
"Zeal's balls," Ela breathed, "she's more beautiful than the gods - than all six of them combined!"
"Pretty sure the goddesses wouldn't appreciate that," I teased.
"Or Zeal," Anver added. "But he's right, Nari. You look amazing." Then he waved for Amerlee and Shalsa to stop what they were doing. "I'll clean that up while they're out. It'll give me something to do."
Which was when I reached the full-body mirror and finally saw the magic my family had made happen. The dress clung to my body like liquid. The open areas had at least two chains dangling down that picked up the light each time my movements made them swing. In the center of my neckline, right below the five-headed snake that marked me as Zeal's Chosen, was a broach that looked like an alabaster rose, but smaller. Then there was my hair.
It hung down my back in a loose and messy braid. Chains had been woven through it, the gold contrasting with the nearly-black color. Small white clips were stuck randomly down the length, and each one had a small paper flower on it. All of them were white. The only thing missing were my shoes, but I looked up as Anver headed over, carrying a pair of ankle-high boots. They were white, covered in a patterned fabric instead of leather, and beautiful. Wearing them would also show off all the lace on my legs for the Path of Action.
The lace on my arms showed the Path of Obligation. The cutouts at my hips revealed my marks for the Path of the Body. The low neckline showed the Path of the Word, and the way the back dipped down revealed my lace for the Path of Protection. I'd said I wanted armor, and Nalph had inadvertently given it to me in the form of showing exactly how Zeal had marked me.
I felt beautiful, powerful, and ready to pick a fight, so I nodded my head. "I think I'm ready to do this. Let's put on a show."
Chapter 66
Eladehl
We arrived at the front steps of the temple five minutes early. Nari wore a heavy black coat that concealed her dress. Mine was left open to show off my suit. Beside me, Wraythe looked amazing in his black-on-black suit, and I could feel the hidden weapon strapped to the arm I held. The best part, though, was the way he held his chin just a little higher the moment my fingers closed on his arm.
Fuck, but I loved this guy. I loved Nari too, but right now she needed Talin. He looked just annoyed enough that I had a feeling something would get bloody tonight. Most likely, the hand of anyone who tried to touch Nari without her permission. Talk about a good way to teach these rich men about consent!
But Anver had stayed back in our suite. He said that he'd clean up the mess from us getting dressed, and if I was honest, I'd made almost as much of a mess as Nari. The event was scheduled to last for at least four hours, but Thiemo had warned me that these were often late events, lasting until nearly dawn if we wanted.
Part of me wanted. The other part of me would follow anywhere Nari needed me to. And yet, when we reached the statue of Zeal, there was a man standing there in a white coat and pants. His eyes jumped from me to Nari, then over to our guardians. He also looked a little tense.
"Pardon me," he said, stepping closer. "Priest Eladehl and Priestess Nariana?"
"We are," Nari agreed.
The man gestured to the doors. "If you'd allow me, your carriage is waiting, priests. Lord Horvat sends his welcome."
"That's very generous of him," Talin replied as he led Nari after the guy.
Wraythe and I followed them out to find a very nice, completely white carriage waiting. The horses had been fitted with extravagant feathers on their heads, making it clear that this was intended to impress, not just transport. Naturally, Nari went in the carriage first, but then Talin stepped back to let me in. Gallantly, Wraythe offered me his hand and then stepped in afterwards.
But Talin had turned to the footman. I saw a coin change hands, the footman nodded, and then Talin climbed in. Dropping down onto the seat beside Nari, he smiled over at me. A second later, the vehicle lurched as the driver got us moving.
"I asked him to pull up as brazenly as possible," Talin explained. "Made it clear that we want to make an entrance that Lord Horvat can brag about later, without his brother hearing a thing."
"Perfect," I purred, leaning back. "Nari, we are going to enjoy ourselves tonight."
She nodded, her decorated hair jingling lightly with the movement. "I just want to know why Zeal's gone."
"Tomorrow," Wraythe promised. "Tonight is about you two. You know he's probably trying to make sure this goes off well. I mean, Zeal's in love with you. He's not leaving."
"Unless he faded," she pointed out.
"If Will's still around - and Anver says he is - then there's no way Zeal faded. He may be helping Charisma, though," Talin said, reaching a hand up to caress her cheek. "Don't worry about gods and nobility, Nari. Worry about Zayr."
