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I nod, having heard as much from Aly.
“Do you have a mate?” I ask, trying to take the attention off me.
She blushes before looking me over. I’m not sure what she’s searching for but she must find it.
“I do, and she’s wonderful.”
I widen my smile at how truly happy she seems.
“That’s so great! Do you have any pictures of her?”
She whips her phone out immediately. Her background is of a beautiful, tall brunette who has the greatest legs I’ve ever seen.
“Wow, she’s gorgeous. You two make an incredible couple.”
“Thanks. It’s, uh, not,” she shifts on her feet awkwardly, “Well I would appreciate it if you could keep it between us. I mean Aksel knows, but certainly don’t talk about it at the ball.”
“Of course.” I put steel in my words so she knows I’m serious.
“It’s not that I am ashamed, it’s just not something talked about. In a community where women are expected to be with multiple men, my choice is frowned upon. Another reason why Aksel’s father hates me, and my family for encouraging it.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. Truly, I can’t imagine the pain of people judging you for who you love.”
“Thank you.” She applies the finishing touches on my makeup, with a genuine smile on her face.
“Do you know if you could have a fated mate out there that’s a woman?”
She applies some eye shadow, forcing me to shut my eyes.
“It’s rumored to be possible. I imagine if it is, they keep quiet about it. I have heard from a second-hand source about two men finding each other. I hope with the increase in people finding their fated mates, it becomes less rare.”
“I hope it is. This society seems to hate what fate plans but I can’t imagine it excluding you when it made you this way.”
Tight arms wrap around me, startling me.
“Thank you for your kind words. Now, look in the mirror because you look perfect and I want you to tell me what a wonderful job I’ve done.”
I do look incredible. My face looks smooth and blemish free. I turn it left and right, but don’t see a trace of makeup. It looks like my skin is this perfect naturally. My hair is swept back in loose braids, framing my cheekbones and making them look defined. I look like royalty.
“I can see the awe on your face. Yes, you do look this good and I am an artist,” Adelina says.
“You are. You have permission to doll me up any time. Thank you so much.”
She curtsies. “I have to get going and get myself ready. Hopefully, I will see you tonight!”
She packs up all her makeup. When I try to help she slaps my hand and shoos me away.
Aksel strolls back into the room, stopping in his tracks when he sees me. He’s just staring.
Adelina pops up behind my shoulder and whispers in my ear. “Yeah, that’s not the face of a man who hates you.”
Now I’m certain I’m blushing.
He gains his composure. “You look good. Thank you Adelina for helping. We wouldn’t want to draw attention if Anna looked out of place.”
I feel like there was a compliment somewhere in there, but mostly an insult.
“You should know, there’s a chance your friend and her mates will be there. Nicoli was certainly invited, but he doesn’t usually attend,” Aksel says.
