Page 108 of Heavenly Bodies
The dress was exquisite. It was a celebration of the Light. Two wisps of lace fell from her shoulders, leaving her neck exposed, the neckline grazing low. A body of gold was stitched with tiny mirrors, so small they blended into a multifaceted bodice, the Light refracting off her as she walked. The dress glided down her curves, cinching at her waist and sweeping down to a full skirt of gilded feathers that pooled at her feet. A subtle slit carved up her left side. From behind, her back was bare, save for chains of gold that dripped down her, only her silver dragun tattoo peeking through.
Spun sugar grazed her décolletage and eyes, her ravenblack waves were loose down her back, and she stared at herself open-mouthed as Merissa fixed a thin, matching gold circlet to the crown of her head.
‘You look like a goddess,’ Merissa whispered, coming back up behind her.
Elara turned to her, radiant. ‘Says the one who could give Torra a run for her money.’
It was true. Merissa looked otherworldly. Before attending to Elara, she had already smoothed her curls, her long honeyed hair falling in a sheet across one shoulder. But now, a golden gown to match Elara’s, made of silk roses all along the bust, dripped over her curves, tight to her legs as it fell to her feet. The metallic shine accentuated her bronzed skin, and a darker gold was painted around her eyes, leaving the green of them smoky. Merissa only smiled at Elara’s remark as she reached back into the wardrobe, extracting two veils. She raised Elara’s over her head and settled it on her so that it covered her. The veil fell down her back, covering it and the conspicuous tattoo. Then Merissa placed her own over her head, adjusting both before standing to look over her work.
They both stood in front of the mirror and held one another tightly.
‘I’ve never seen such good-looking sinners about to step into a church,’ Merissa beamed.
‘I wouldn’t be surprised if I burst into flames the moment I cross the threshold.’
Merissa chuckled, taking one last look at them both before leading Elara out of the room.
Anticipation thrummed in Elara’s veins as they walked arm-in-arm down the grand staircase. She saw Idris by the main doors in deep discussion with Enzo and Leo. The kingwas dressed in cream with golden brocade, a long cape grazing the floor, a crown studded with topaz and citrine resting on his thinning hair. Elara felt her shadows writhe beneath her, desperate to wrap around Idris’s throat. But she clenched her fists, focusing on the pain of her nails digging into her palms until her shadows settled.
She took in more of Enzo’s appearance as she descended. His crown glinted upon freshly washed curls. He wore a white silk shirt and an embroidered jacket of a cream shade, embellished with intricate gold stitching. As she squinted, she realized what the pattern was.
Draguns.
Tiny detailed draguns, an exact rendering of the one down her back.
‘His jacket,’ she breathed to Merissa.
She felt Merissa squeeze her arm as she murmured, ‘He requested it specifically.’
When Enzo’s eyes found hers, seeming to pierce right through the veil, her heart hammered. The conversation between the men died out as Elara approached, still staring back at Enzo, ignoring Idris and Leo. When she reached the waiting group, Enzo nodded, maintaining the aloof pretence.
‘The lost princess, risen from the dead,’ Idris said, eyes glittering. Elara noticed Enzo stiffen beside her, and she gave more of a grimace than a smile to the king.
‘I trust that everyone is prepared?’ she asked.
The king placed a hand on the small of her back and Elara tensed, as he guided her down the corridor to the palace’s exit. She gave only one quick glance back to Enzo as she reached the doors.
‘Soldiers are already deployed to the border, and I have sent scouts further ahead into Asteria. If there is any newsof Ariete making movements towards Helios, we shall hear it,’ Idris replied, pulling her to one side as they crossed the threshold.
‘And Leyon?’ She looked distractedly to Enzo and Leo, who were walking towards the carriages.
‘As far as Leyon is concerned, we accepted his refusal to invite his brother into the kingdom. Going to temple today will appease him enough for now.’
Elara nodded. ‘What about when we get to Aphrodea?’
‘In Aphrodea, you make sure your reveal counts. You make sure that everyone knows that Princess Elara is alive. That a Star could not kill her. And you ensure that there is no doubt, that you are Helios’s weapon.’
Elara’s lip curled beneath her veil as Idris looked to where his son waited. Three carriages stood ready behind him. ‘You and my son may not get along, but you will put on an act. At least for a night. To show our alliance.’
Elara didn’t think it wise to tell him that she and his son were currently sharing a bed every night. So, she only nodded curtly.
‘Nice jacket,’ Elara murmured to Enzo as he helped her into the carriage.
His lip twitched as he settled beside her.
‘I’m becoming increasingly fond of draguns. What did my father want?’
‘He wants to make sure my appearance counts. And told me to make sure that tonight, I show the world that I am allied toyou.’