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I eagerly held my glass out for more and nodded my head.
“I could get used to this, too.” I said, trying to banish the worry for Edrich from my thoughts.
Aster laughed.
“Everyone could use more fairy wine. But I meant that I could get used to having you around. I never met my sister, and I think it would’ve been wonderful to have grown up with one.”
I stilled, the glass flute barely touching my lips before I pulled it away.
She hadn’t met her sister because of the war.Because of my parents.
“Why are you so kind to me? After all of the hurt my family has caused you?” The question escaped me before I could help myself, but Aster didn’t hesitate to respond.
“Because, for better or for worse, we are not our parents. It isn’t your fault, what happened. So why wouldn’t I show you kindness?” She stared at me with that intense violet gaze of hers, like it was the simplest explanation in the world.
I finished off my second glass and sat down.
“I just feel like this is too easy. Like everything is happening too fast and I’m trying to keep up or wait for the other shoe to drop… I’m sure I’m not making much sense. But, I just don’t feel like I deserve any of this.”
Aster set her glass down and knelt in front of me.
“Lina. Not every story has a terrible ending. Sometimes, tragedy is the beginning, and sometimes, there are even happily-ever-afters.” She smiled, and I found myself wanting to return it. “If it would help, I could be a little meaner to you. Call you names and take away your booze.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at that.
“No, no. You can leave the booze. I think I may need it for tonight.” I greedily moved my glass away from her reach.
“Suit yourself. But don’t say I didn’t offer,” she added, with a wink.
The other fairies had remained distant while we’d talked, but suddenly one with orange wings like a monarch butterfly, stepped forward.
“Your Highnesses, if you please. We need to hurry, or you’ll be late for the ball.”
“All right, Fauna. Come work your magic and make us presentable.” Aster threw a hand over her head dramatically, and the girls around us snickered.
For the next three hours we were painted, and brushed and primped and combed, then finally, dressed.
“Are you sure about this?” I asked, studying the ornate gown that had been chosen for me.
“Of course. You look stunning, Lina.” Aster gaped and flitted around me in a slow circle.
I took in my reflection, barely recognizing myself. The dress was ivory and beige with sheer sleeves that cinched at my wrists, and a plunging neckline with intricate white leaves that were sewn into the otherwise sheer fabric.
It was all gossamer and silk, and easily the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. Clove, the fairy with the dragonfly wings, brought over a small box, and Aster grinned wickedly when she opened it.
“This one is for me,” she said, placing a golden tiara on her head. A large sapphire that matched the deep blues of her dress hung from the center and rested between her brows. It was stunning.
Then, she turned to me.
“And this one is for you.”
My mouth dropped open. She’d given me tiaras to wear while I’d been here, but none so beautiful as this.
It was the same style, but made of silver with small, sparkling diamonds covering the metal, and, in the center, there was a teardrop-shaped pearl. She gently placed it on my head and stood back to look at our reflections in the mirror.
“Yes. I think we will do just fine this evening.”
I shook my head.
