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With one last horrified look at myself, I turn and head back toward my bedroom, thankful to find my spice trails have yet to disappear. I’m almost shocked Death hasn’t mentioned them.
Thankful that I don’t run into Death along the way, given the state I’m in, I quickly open the door to my room and shut it tightly behind me. Leaning against the door, I glance around, worried for a moment that I’ve entered the wrong room.
But that’s simply not the case.
Given the way every other room in the house looks, there’s no way Death would ever decorate a room like this, unless absolutely necessary.
The furniture has all been rearranged, the bed pushed as close to the fire as is safe to allow, and a heavy canopy added to the other three sides. Heavy rugs now cover the floor and thick furs blanket the bed.
Even the fire somehow seems to burn brighter and hotter. There’s even a large copper tub already filled with water beside it, complete with a tray of soaps, oils, and powders.
Turning, I find the wardrobe open, and my heart nearly stops in my chest. Hanging within it are more dresses than I’ve ever seen at once.
Stepping closer, I run my hand over them as I take in the heavy velvets, wools, and silks, each delicately embroidered or otherwise intricately designed. They’re stunning. Many of them are made in a fashion I’ve never seen before, let alone wore, but all of the dresses match Death’s impeccable taste.
Delicate undergarments have been neatly folded to one side, as well as fresh socks and small items.
There’s even a pair of slippers as well as new boots and a fur-lined cloak.
A wave of guilt crashes over me as I realize I have no idea how long his generosity has gone unnoticed. I must thank him as soon as possible for this.
I should have returned to my room sooner; he must think me so ungrateful.
How long have these dresses been here waiting for me?
I cross the room to dip my hand in the water.
Tepid, and only thanks to the fire, I’m sure.
It’s probably been a day, if not longer, since he brought these things here for me. No wonder I haven’t seen him.
Well, I can’t allow him to think the worst of me any longer. I must set things right immediately.
I don’t know why the thought of him thinking poorly of me upsets me so much, but I don’t allow myself to mull over the feeling. Instead, I hurry to strip out of my clothes and step into the bath.
I refuse to allow my shivering to keep me from thoroughly washing my hair and body, scrubbing hard to rid myself of paint, dirt, and oil. By the time I’m finally satisfied with my cleanliness, my skin is pink and floral scented. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this fresh, or smelled this beautiful.
Drying myself with a thick towel, I select one of the dresses at random from the wardrobe, determined to wear as many of them as I can before …
Well, before it’s too late.
Pushing this thought from my mind, I lay the garment across the bed. Admiring it, I braid my hair loosely before carefully pulling the dress on.
Stepping toward the shiniest part of the wall, I spin slowly to get a good look at myself.
Light moves over the heavy silk like a dark waterfall, the waist structured perfectly to give my bust support while accentuating all my femininity in the most elegant way.
The sleeves leave my shoulders bare as they drape down over my arms instead. The neckline is nearly as deep as the dress Merelda gave me, but somehow, it makes me look regal rather than exposed.
Though the scar from Lord Payne’s ring is now visible.
It almost makes me happy to see it, happy to know he’s probably seething somewhere at the news of my disappearance.
I start to reach for the slippers, but pause, choosing the new pair of boots instead. After all, it could take me all day to track Death down to thank him. They fit perfectly, and I can’t help wondering how he managed to get my measurements so perfect.
It seems Death has more than kept his word, and now, I intend to keep mine.
Collecting my old things from the floor, I stand next to the fire for a moment, holding on to these last remnants of my past life. Stepping closer, I pause, my mind suddenly racing back to those final moments with Cyprian.
