Game of Prythian

Chapter Thirty-Two

I decided quickly, "Not pink." I heard the males laughing from the other room. Dione nodded and pulled something from the wardrobe. Dione clicked her tongue, "What about a light mauve and a darker mauve?"

"Just not pink." I reminded. She humphed and pulled a dress from the wardrobe. The dress was indeed a light mauve and a darker mauve. The skirt was the light mauve while the darker mauve bled down into the top of the skirt from the bodice.

Dione helped me into the dress before dragging me into the main room. Darwyn dipped his head, his own way of telling me I looked good. Xer smiled brightly, while Aldrich's eyes were brighter and a small smile held his lips as well.

Dione sat me down on the stool of the vanity. Her fingers threaded through my hair, she made quick work of the small knots with the brush. I always enjoyed when someone did my hair, it felt like they were massaging my head.

Her fingers weaved my hair into a braided crown while a shorter piece slightly fell to outline my face. Dione murmured, "You look marvelous."

"Thank you." I gripped her hand a bit tightly for a second before letting her retreat. Xer escorted me from my room leaving me no time to grab my knife he had stashed in there yesterday.

Xer whispered, his breath tickling my ear. "You won't need the knife, Kana, there will be guards."

Aldrich spoke, his crown sparkled slightly in the light he stood. "Aurthur and Athena will not join us, it could be a violent breakfast."

Perhaps not, yet this would still be horrific. Following Aldrich from my room, Xer pulled the door shut behind us with a clicking sound. They quickly walked around me. Darwyn slowed his pace to walk in a line with Xer and I.

Theo soon joined us near the doors of the grand room. The Heir of Rask spoke, "Since Kana is fourth in line, Xer I want you to escort her in."

Dione spoke, "No," Theo's gaze turned to his mother. "Aldrich will escort her in, otherwise there will be... unwanted opinions stated."

"You mean they'll call me a whore and a few other terms believing I am marrying in." Darwyn snarled and the guards noticeably flinched away from him. Alddrich offered me his arm, I took it carefully.

Part of me wondered, wondered, if I had gone with Rhysand that day in Hybern? When I had first been remade. The Mother's mark tingled, the sensation dissipated as the guards trust opened the doors to the dozens of the highest ranking officials in Rask.

Dione looped her own arm through my arm and smiled at a glaring official. He blanched and quickly put his mask of approval on. Aristocratic Bastards. Chin high, and shoulders thrown back, my complection masked that of a long returning player.

A long lost princess, returning home after years. A princess who when she spoke, no one could tell if it was insulting or a complement. Perhaps, a little like Eris Vanserra.

I wanted to laugh, why would I think of the Lording now? A mystery to be left unsolved. Our feet were silent against the bright scarlet rugs. A few ladies sent killer glares, Darwyn and Xer snarl at a few of them.

The steps were large, fit to hold even the largest of maes feet. Yet close enough to one another so it would look as if those who walked them glided. I am not a General anymore, I am fourth in line of the throne of Rask, I am Princess Kana.

The ghosts hovered in the air around the room, ready to cause problems should anyone speak out. As we rounded the table, Dione unlooped her arm from mine and took her seat quickly. Aldrich pulled my seat out and gently pushed me in as Theo sat to my right, then Aldrich, Dione, Darwyn, and finally Xer.