Masks of Motive
Valenticias POV~
I stood in front of the mirror, my breath shallow, the sapphire ring he’d sent flashing on my finger. My heart pounded as I pulled the gown on, the silk encasing my body, the off-the-shoulder beautifying my collarbone, the train falling against the ground. I pulled my hair into a loose chignon, letting loose tendrils frame my face, and applied my makeup with care — a smoky eyeshadow to sharpen my gaze, a bold red lip to mask my nerves. What the mirror cast back was a woman ready, but inside I was a mess filled with dread and anticipation.
I slipped on gold heels with dainty straps and started to descend the grand staircase of the estate. The doorbell rang, and the maid, Lena, went to the door as the driver—Stefan’s man, with his black suit, his cap worn
