“And what about my advisors?”
She gives a derisive sniff, helping me step into the heavy gown, pulling its thin straps over my shoulders. The scars on the top half of my back are on full display, spilling out from the silk of the gown like red and white snakes. No one gapes openly, but I feel their gazes on me all the same and it is somehow even worse.
“Their presence is unnecessary for such an event,” she says, each word crisp. “But an invitation has now been extended to the Kalovaxian Prinz,” she adds after a moment.
I’d feel better if Richard, Liana, and Frederick were there as well, but at least I’ll have Seven.
“And my aunt?” I ask, though even as I pose the question I’m not sure which answer I prefer.
“She has made it clear that her presence is required wherever yours is,” Maria
