Chapter Six
738 Words
Part Two
: A Smile Sharper Than a Blade
Adelaide Nightvale
"I love this dress. It's perfect!" Annora exclaimed, twirling before the mirror with a grin that could rival the morning sun.
I suppressed another yawn.
"You said the exact same thing about the last three dresses."
She turned to me with a dramatic pout. "You're impossible. You aren't helping at all."
"I've been helping since sunrise," I sighed. "At this point, just follow your heart. Choose the one that makes you feel beautiful and confident."
Annora studied her reflection one last time before breaking into another delighted smile.
"Then this is the one."
The attendants carefully folded the gown into an embroidered box.
"Take it to the carriage," Annora instructed.
As they hurried away, I silently mourned the breakfast I had sacrificed for this endless expedition through silks and lace. If I never saw another bridal gown again, it would still be too soon.
By the time we returned to the Eyre residence, the familiar clang of steel echoed across the courtyard.
Vesper was exactly where I expected him to be.
He swung his sword with relentless precision, sweat glistening across his brow as he practiced against a wooden training post.
Ever since earning his title during the Bloom Hunt, he had thrown himself into training with renewed determination. Everyone knew why.
Princess Nyxa.
The thought alone seemed enough to drive him beyond exhaustion.
"You know," I called, leaning casually against the fence, "Princess Nyxa would probably prefer a healthy knight over one who collapses before he reaches the altar."
Not even a glance.
His sword continued its relentless rhythm.
I chuckled softly.
So this was what love looked like.
When would I ever meet someone worth losing myself over like that?
"Don't tell me you're in love with your cousin."
Gwen's amused voice shattered the moment.
I turned to find her standing beneath the veranda, dressed in the elegant colors of her husband's household. Marriage seemed to suit her. She carried herself with even more confidence than before.
"None of your business," I replied flatly.
Experience had taught me there was no victory to be won in arguing with Gwen.
I simply walked away.
Using the temple as my excuse, I slipped through the quieter streets until I reached the tree where Eudoria and I meet up.
She had been waiting for long, she looked tired.
The sight of her made my heart sink.
Dark circles shadowed her eyes, and her usually lively face looked pale with exhaustion.
"You look tired," I said quietly.
A gentle smile crossed her lips.
"I'm alright." She embraced me briefly. "Thank you for the food and the herbs. They've helped more than you know."
I smiled, relieved she was at least managing.
"How is the rescue plan?"
Her expression grew serious.
"It's progressing well." She hesitated before shaking her head. "But I can't tell you anything else, Adel. The less you know, the safer you'll be."
I nodded.
"I understand."
For a brief moment, silence settled comfortably between us.
Then Eudoria's eyes widened.
The color drained from her face.
Confused, I turned to see what had frightened her.
Several paces behind me...
Gwen stood smiling.
She had followed me.
The warmth in the afternoon seemed to vanish.
"Will you be alright?" Eudoria asked quietly, her voice filled with concern.
We both knew the kingdom's laws.
Anyone found aiding the Forsaken could be branded a traitor.
Depending on the magistrates' judgment, the punishment ranged from imprisonment to execution.
I forced a reassuring smile.
"Go."
She hesitated.
"Please," I whispered. "Be safe."
After one final glance, Eudoria disappeared into the forest.
Only then did I face Gwen.
She folded her arms, satisfaction dancing in her eyes.
"So..." she mused. "Our perfect Adelaide Nightvale has been secretly keeping company with one of the Forsaken."
My stomach tightened.
"You've always hidden behind that image of being Father's dutiful daughter." Her smile widened. "I wonder what the authorities will think when they discover the truth."
A cold shiver crept down my spine.
This wasn't just about me anymore.
If Gwen reported what she had seen, suspicion wouldn't stop at my name.
It would spread to Father...
To Aunt Sybylla..
To Annora...
To every servant beneath our roof.
One careless accusation could destroy the entire Nightvale family.
This fool...
She isn't about to ruin only my life.
She's about to get every one of us killed.
- Writer
