I manage to wrap both in a soft hug, though I still see something in Naida’s face that worries me. She doesn’t smile, doesn’t speak, doesn’t seem like herself. I shift uncomfortably in my seat while Clarissa finishes her work and hands me off to Naida, who has already chosen a lovely dress. She helps me into the delicate lace underwear—nothing like what can be found in Nerathis, at least not without a fortune. The dress is lavender, and its fabric flows so freely it feels like I’m wearing clouds.
She’s placing a necklace on my neck when I grab her wrist to get her attention.
“Are you okay, Naida?” I try to read her eyes. “If you need to talk about anything…”
She gives me a forced smile I don’t believe for a second.
“Don’t worry, I’m just tired.”
I know I won’t get anything else from h
