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The carriage curved through an iron gate with guards on either side. They passed several statues of animals holding stars toward the sky, all blessing their court, Starnight.
Aura’s lips parted as they wove around the gardens. Flowers. So many bright flowers were strung together, hovering above where the ceremony would take place. Strings of garland blossoming with colorful peonies and orchids hung sporadically. Her favorites. Pax had chosen these blooms just for her and her stomach danced with butterflies at his thoughtfulness.
They went out a little farther, past the pond and ducks, to where a small rectangular cream tent awaited her—the location where the bride was to be prepared. The carriage drew to a stop and Aura and Hana kissed their sisters and mother goodbye. Her mother was to meet with Aura’s father and the king to discuss a few matters while Liana watched over the little ones.
Their mother grasped Aura’s wrist, her voice soft. “If you need me or anyone else, the guard can retrieve us.”
“Everything will be fine,” Aura soothed her.
She stepped out beside Hana, allowing the driver to shut the carriage door. Aura went to grab her luggage with her wedding things, but the driver stepped in front of her. “I’ll get it for you, my lady,” he said, bowing his head.
“And that brown one too,” Hana started as she studied him closely. “No, not that one, the other one.”
Aura turned to face the tent where a middle-aged guard with auburn hair and fine lines around his eyes stood. A silver sash draped across one shoulder of his blue uniform and a sword hung at his side.
“If there’s anything else you need in there, let me know, my lady.” The guard bowed his head and held up the tent’s entrance.
Aura glanced over her shoulder, watching the carriage head toward the palace before slipping into the lantern-lit tent. She blinked in surprise, having expected something simple, but this was perfect. A chestnut vanity hugged a corner, two velvet chairs awaited them, more floral vines were strung across the ceiling, and fruit, pastries, and a pitcher of honey water covered a table. Beside it lingered vase after vase filled with orchids and peonies. Underneath one rested a small folded sheet of paper, her name written in cursive on it.
With a smile, she lifted the note and read the words.
See you soon, my dazzling bride.
Aura bit her lip and smiled wider, anxious to see her prince.
“Thank the stars I’m with you and Liana is with Mama.” Hana blew out a breath, drawing the wedding gown out from the luggage and placing it on a hook hanging from one of the posts holding up the tent.
Aura poured them each a glass of water and handed one to Hana. “You truly did help me pick out the perfect gown.”
Hana drank a sip from her glass, then unpacked the powders and combs once Aura sank into the plush chair. Her gaze lifted to Aura and a line formed between her brows as she studied her. “Are you sure you want to get married? I know I’ve asked you this several times lately, but I want to make certain.”
“Of course I do.” She placed her hand on top of Hana’s, halting her from setting down a brush. “And I’m proud that you’re the one to help me prepare for the wedding. A servant wouldn’t have felt the same.”
Hana’s face softened. “I’ll do anything to always see you happy, Aura. Regardless of what Mama thinks. I know I’m not supposed to have one, and even though I love you all, you’re my favorite sister.”
Aura winked. “I won’t tell anyone.”
“All right, so you’re not my favorite anymore,” Hana huffed as she brought a comb through Aura’s tangled lock. Her sister had been at it a while, complaining that she should’ve ran a brush through it right after Aura’s bath. “Your hair is akin to a nest of hawks.”
“I think you just wanted to bring up the word hawk.” Aura laughed. “When are you planning to see him again?”
“Hopefully soon.” She grinned, the comb slicing through the knot. “There!”
“You’ll have to introduce me to him.”
“He’s shy, but I will.”
Hana braided the top half of Aura’s hair into a crown, then mirrored her weaving with a few single plaits across her locks. Aura looked from the dress to the basket of flowers. “Perhaps we should put the gown on before putting the flowers in my hair.”
“Powders first. We wouldn’t want you ruining your gown.” Hana then added rosy powders to Aura’s cheeks and eyes, followed by a pale shade to her lips that held a scent of strawberries.
Hana loosened the buttons of Aura’s dress until she was in nothing but her corset and sheer undergarments. Her sister lowered the light fabric of the wedding gown for Aura to step into it, then laced the back of it up. The silk hugged her lithe form just right and the collar was high, hiding her cleavage but not the shape of her breasts. As lovely as the dress was, she couldn’t wait for Pax to peel it away from her body after speaking their vows to one another.
Farther away, flutes and stringed instruments played. “People are arriving,” her sister said, sliding tiny blue and pink flowers into Aura’s hair. Once she pressed the last small bud between two plaits, Hana turned her to face the mirror on the vanity. “Even though you looked like a princess before, you do even more now.”
Aura gazed into the glass, tears pricking her eyes. “Hana, you truly work wonders.”
“Your palette isn’t a hard one to work with when you’re naturally beautiful.” She placed her hands on her hips. “Now, no more tears—I don’t want the powders ruined before the wedding.”
