Beyond Her Beauty

CHAPTER 58 (Slit√)

I could hardly breathe enough, so I knew eating would be a waste of time. But this would be worth my sacrifice. I needed to make some progress, renew, and I needed to do it fast. According to Rihanna, the other Elite was making advances toward Kaden—physical advances—and he’d said I was far too plain to have a chance of matching them in that department. So having a chance to make Kaden's mine is pretty hard.

As if my relationship with Kaden wasn’t complicated enough, there was a whole new process of rebuilding trust.

While I felt pretty sure he hadn’t gone that far physically with the other elite’s, I couldn’t help but wonder. I’d never tried to be seductive before since I'm a type of girl who is always in the forest. Playing the friendly sweet bird's, feeding them, and relaxing with them —Obviously Kaden is not my first boyfriend yet I don't have any experience in any normal girl do with their boyfriend —but I had to hope that if I was deliberate, I need to let him feel that I'm interested in him. This is my last chance here.

I took a deep breath, raised my chin, and walked into the dining hall. I was purposely a threee or two late, hoping everyone would already be seated. I was right on that count. But the reaction was better than I’d hoped.

I curtsied, swinging my leg around so the slit in the dress fell open, leading nearly all the way up my thigh. The dress was a deep yellow, strapless and practically backless, and I was almost positive my maids had used magic to make it stay up at all. I rose, locking eyes with Kaden, who I noticed had stopped chewing. Someone dropped a fork. This is the first time he saw me wearing this kind of dress.

I lowered my gaze, walked to my seat, and settled in next to Kriesha.

“Seriously, Lily?” she whispered.

I tilted my head in her direction. “I’m sorry?”

I'm a little bit embarrassed. But yeah, here it is.

She put her silverware down, and we stared at each other. “You look uhm, trashy.”

“Well, you look like a jealous kid.”

I’d hit pretty close to the mark, because she flushed a bit before returning to her food. I took limited bites of my own, already miserably constricted. As dessert was being set in front of me, I chose to stop ignoring Prince Kaden, and as I had hoped, his eyes were on me the moment he saw me earlier. He reached up and grabbed his ear immediately, and I demurely did the same. My gaze flickered quickly toward the King, and I tried not to smile. He was irritated, another trick I’d managed to get away with. He let me stay but I'm not sure if he's rooting at me. Of course not. After the mess I do — impossible.

I excused myself first, giving Kaden a chance to admire the back of the dress, and scurried to my room. I closed the door to my room behind me and unzipped the gown immediately, desperate for a breath.

“How’d it go?” Mary asked, rushing over.

“He seemed stunned. They all did.”

Mary blushed.

Lucy squealed, and Marie came to help Mary. “We’ll hold it up. Just walk,” she ordered. I did as I was told. “Is he coming tonight?”

“Yes. I’m not sure when, but he’ll definitely be here.” I perched on the edge of my bed, arms folded around my stomach to keep the open dress from falling down.

Marie gave me a sad face. “I’m sorry you’ll have to be uncomfortable for a few more hours. I’m sure it’ll be worth it though. Since you look sexy and gorgeous Princess.”

I felt they push themselves to make this outfit outstanding.

I smiled, trying to look like I was fine dealing with the pain. I’d told my maids I wanted to get Kaden’s attention. I’d left out my hope that, with any luck, this dress would be on the floor pretty soon.

“Do you want us to stay until he arrives?” Lucy asked, her enthusiasm bubbling over.

“No, just help me zip this thing back up. I need to think some things through,” I answered, standing so they could help me.

Mary took hold of the zipper. “Suck it in.” I obeyed, and as the dress cinched me in again.

I opened the wide balcony doors letting the air feel my room. Even though it was December, the breeze was light and tickled my skin. I can taste the coldness of Christmas. We weren’t allowed to go outside at all anymore, not without guards by our sides, so this would have to do.

I scurried around the room, lighting candles, trying to make the space inviting. The knock came at the door, and I blew out the match, bolted over to the bed, picked up a book, and Klatchy book out my dress. Why yes, Kaden, this is how I always look when I read.

“Come in,” I offered, barely loud enough to be heard.

Kaden entered, and I lifted my head delicately, catching the wonder in his eyes as he surveyed my dimly lit room. Finally he focused on me, his gaze traveling up my exposed leg.

“There you are,” I said, closing the book and standing to greet him.

He shut the door and came in, his eyes locked on my curves. “I wanted to tell you that you look fantastic tonight. Uhm, very well.”

“Oh, this thing? It was just sitting in the back of the closet.” I lied, my three maid's did this for me.

“I’m glad you pulled it out and wore it tonight.”

“I’m now looking at you as a woman, not my sweet Princess.”

I blushed, but I tried to hide it from him.

I laced my fingers through his. “Come sit with me. I almost vanished here after lifting elimination.”

He sighed and followed. “I’m sorry about that Lily. There so many happened, but I'm still thankful you're still here.”

We sat on the edge of the bed, and I settled close to him. “Of course. You should be in charge of this.”

He nodded. “Exactly. I know I’ve said it a thousand times, but when people push me, it makes me crazy.”

I gave him a little pout. “I know.”

He paused, and I couldn’t read his face. I was trying to figure out how to move this forward without being pushy, but I wasn’t sure how to manufacture a romantic moment.

“I know this is silly, but my maids put this new perfume on me today. Is it too strong?” I asked, tilting my neck so he could lean in and breathe.

He came near, his nose hitting a soft patch of skin. “No, dear, it’s lovely,” he said into the curve that led to my shoulder. Then he kissed me there. I swallowed, trying to focus. I needed to have some level of control.

“I’m glad you like it. I’ve really missed you.”

I felt his hand snake around my back, and I brought my face down. There he was, eyes looking into mine, our lips millimeters apart.

“How much have you missed me?” he breathed, I can feel the warm of his soft fine breathe.

His stare, combined with his voice being so low, so my heart running “So much,” I whispered back. “So, so much.”

I giggled, I wanted to hug him tight since yesterday but I didn't have a chance.

I leaned forward, aching to be kissed. Kaden was confident, pulling me closer with one hand and stringing the other through my hair. My body wanted to melt into the kiss, but the dress stopped me. Then, suddenly nervous again, I remembered my plan. What about my plan?