Total pages in book: 362
Estimated words: 347293 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1736(@200wpm)___ 1389(@250wpm)___ 1158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 347293 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1736(@200wpm)___ 1389(@250wpm)___ 1158(@300wpm)
“Moving on,” Rhain said, sighing. “You two will then take your seats on the thrones.”
I opened my mouth.
“And because I know you’re going to ask why,” he went on, “it is simply tradition.”
“I wasn’t going to ask.”
Rhain sent me a bland look.
“Whatever,” I muttered as Reaver huffed out a laugh.
“During this time, the people will have bowed. You will tell them to rise—and yes, it will be you.”
I was so bored with this conversation I didn’t ask why it had to be me. “Ash mentioned having wine provided for them. Will that be possible?”
“Yes.” Rhain checked off what I could only imagine was annoy Sera from his list. “We have many barrels that can be used for such. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough time to have food prepared.”
“What about this?” Aios’s voice floated out from the narrow hall adjoining the chambers. Gods, she had been going through the wardrobe for so long I’d forgotten she was even here. She appeared, holding a crimson gown draped from a hanger. “It’s really gorgeous, isn’t it?”
My gaze flicked over the dress as I idly stroked the top of Reaver’s head. The gown was beautiful, and the crushed velvet looked soft, but for some reason, the color was a turn-off for me. “It is, but it doesn’t feel right.”
Aios lowered her arm until half the gown pooled on the floor. “This is the fourth gown that doesn’t feel right. You don’t have many more options.”
“I know.” I winced, feeling like I was wasting her time. Which I was, especially considering she had spent the better part of the day assisting with the birth Kye had summoned her for. When she offered to help me find something to wear, I should’ve told her to rest, but I was glad she wanted to help after how our conversation had ended this morning.
Aios eyed me for a moment and then nodded. “I think I know what the problem is. I will be right back.”
I watched her spin on her heel and disappear back down the hall.
“I doubt she will be right back,” Rhain commented as Reaver lifted his head and stretched.
“True.” I leaned back. “Why can’t I just wear what I’m wearing now?”
Rhain appeared positively aghast. “You should dress for the role.”
My lips thinned. “And how should I be dressed?”
He gave me the most unsexual once-over I had ever received in my life. “Not like that.”
“What’s wrong with this?” I glanced down at my vest and black leggings. “Ash has no problem with it.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t,” Rhain replied dryly, earning a confused head tilt from Reaver. “But it’s not appropriate.”
Aios reappeared, holding a dark gray tunic with silver embroidering that matched the design on the throne doors. Immediately drawn to it, I rose and went to her, passing the pillared dais.
Rhain sighed for what had to be the hundredth time. “That’s a tunic.”
“Never would’ve guessed that,” I murmured as I took the lightweight garment from Aios.
“You should wear a gown,” Rhain insisted.
My gaze cut to him as a wave of prickly heat swept over the back of my neck. I knew this was in no way the same as my time in Dalos, and none of the gowns Aios had brought out were even remotely transparent, but my skin still felt itchy and too tight. “A gown is not me,” I said as Reaver launched himself off the couch and came to my side. “This,”—I thrust the tunic out—“is me.”
“Is that you as a Queen?” he countered.
“I don’t see why it can’t be.”
His chest rose with a deep breath, and I suspected another sigh was coming. “Let me ask this… Do Queens in the mortal realm dress as you are now?”
The tunic featured a stiff collar, giving it a more formal appearance. I liked the elbow-length sleeves. “I don’t know every Queen in the mortal realm, but from what I saw, no. You know what I also saw?”
“Hmm?” he asked.
“A Queen who wore pretty silk gowns and glittering jewels.” The image of my mother took form. “And, at the end of the day, she was a terrible Queen.”
“I interact with the people of Lethe often,” Aios said. “I don’t think they will care if she wears a gown or breeches. And to be frank, I think less finery would also serve to show those who do not know her that she is not invested in fancy trappings like some Primals are.”
The sigh came then.
“Plus,” Aios continued, taking the tunic from me and holding it to my shoulders. One side of the garment ended up draped over Reaver’s head, but the back of the top appeared as if it would reach just above my ankles. The front curved elegantly into a V-shape, coming together at the navel to create a flowing and elongated silhouette. “It is nearly as long as a gown and could easily be seen as such.”