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All four of the girls start to protest, and Orshana and I share an amused look. She rolls her eyes and picks up another garment bag. In comparison with that yellow dress, the dress I picked out might be considered cute. Even so, I hold my breath as Orshana pulls it out of the bag, preparing to pretend like everything is fine. Too late to go back now.
“I thought you might like something a little more subtle,” Orshana says as she extracts the most gorgeous gown I’ve ever seen.
Not a poof in sight. The dark green silk of the V-neck sheath gown shimmers in the light. It’s sleek and simple. Somehow exactly what I’ve always dreamed of. She turns it around and the dress cuts low to show off my shoulders which are my best feature aside from my boobs. I place my hand on my chest and walk toward the dress.
“Orshana,” I whisper, unable to find the words.
“It’s lovely, isn’t it?”
“It’s perfect.” I touch the black beds on the shoulder straps.
“That’s the reaction I was looking for,” she says with a beaming smile.
I lift my gaze to meet hers, blinking back tears. “Thank you so much.”
She reaches down to pat the cheek without the scab. “You’re welcome, love. Why don’t you try it on?”
“Wait, wait, wait!” Oretta shouts. “Makeup first.”
I glance at her over my shoulder. “No pink eyeshadow, right?”
“I promise. We’ll work with soft greens and grays. You’ll be a simmering, smoky eyed queen.” She pats the mattress. “Let’s get to work.”
* * *
Even though it’sonly hair, makeup, and getting dressed, Orcus’ family makes it an all-day affair. By the time I put on the dress, it’s almost time for the moonlit ceremony. As bonds are gifted by Hecate, the ceremonies are held under the full moon. I wonder what the goddess thinks of a human participating in one. The bond instantly snapped together between Orcus and me. That has to mean something.
My stomach growls as I slide the dress up my legs. I can’t eat though. I refuse to throw up at my own ceremony. The soft vibration of the protection spell hasn’t gone away. I wonder if Zyla needs to reset it, but I haven’t seen her since the day in the library. I’m worried about her, but she’s the Grand High Witch. She has responsibilities and I won’t begrudge her for leaving if her people needed her.
“What do you think?” Oretta asks, refocusing me.
The beaded straps are flexible and soft against my shoulders. The silk itself is so smooth it glides over my skin. I stay behind the dressing wall and turn to check myself out in the mirror. Holy. Crap. I’m hot. Like, if there were a clone of me, I’d totally bang her. My red hair has soft curls held back by two thick strands which are pinned together in the back. The makeup is absolutely the star of the show. Oretta wasn’t lying when she said I’d be a smokey eyed queen. There’s a smolder that wasn’t there before, and I can’t wait to stare Orcus down looking like this.
“Daisy?” Orshana calls.
I’ve kept them all waiting. Stepping out, I spread my hands and do a little spin. “Well?”
“She’s a princess!” Orana claps.
“No,” Orlena says. “She’s a queen.”
“You look amazing. Your makeup definitely elevates the look, but even without it, you’re gorgeous.” Oretta skates her eyes over the dress. “And as much as I loved the other gown, this one is it.”
“Thank you.”
“You look so pretty, Daisy,” Oraya says softly, a smile pulling at her lips.
Orshana sniffs, and I focus on her. “I am so happy you’re his mate.” She swipes at her damp cheeks. “I thought for sure he’d be alone forever, but he deserved love, and I’m so happy you gave that to him.”
“I’m so grateful to all of you. Seriously. I’ve been living a dream and Orcus is perfect.”
A knock comes at the base of the door. Orshana clears her throat and steps back to open it, letting in Prometheus, Harald, and Lagertha. The blue scaled dragon barrels through the room, now the size of a young horse. We really need to think about where else to keep the dragon. The only reason Prometheus can fit in the castle is because it was made for Ogres. I don’t know how big dragons get in this world, but based on Prometheus’ growth, I’m guessing they’re huge. I scratch under the dragon’s chin and it purrs.
Mama.
I release a sigh. “Soon, little one. Soon.” With everything that’s been going on, there’s been no time to go to the dragon’s nest. I’m beginning to feel like I’ve failed Prometheus.
“No Zyla?” I ask the trulls.
