Golden Gluttony: Sins of Humanity by Gemma Ibbotson

Author:Gemma Ibbotson [Ibbotson, Gemma]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-06-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

Belle

Axel decided it would be a good idea to celebrate our engagement with a party for the staff in the castle. I think it is a good idea and would be nice for them to be able to relax but I am nervous. I’ve never been the centre of attention for something joyous and I don’t know how everyone will react around me.

I sent a request for my seamstress to make me a new dress for the occasion. Like always, she works wonders. I put it on and start to get ready. The scarlet-red silk runs smoothly down my body and flares out past my hips. The straps are thick ribbons on my shoulders and although the chest is cut low, black lace conceals the top of my breasts from view, matching the pattern of lace that travels across the bottom of the dress.

Long red gloves accompany it. They fit perfectly and feel as soft as feathers against my skin. I put on the matching heels that make me grow an extra inch and assess myself in the mirror. I play with my hair, trying different styles for ages until I finally decide to pull the front bits back with a golden hairpin.

I coat my lips in red for the first time in my life and I am ready to go.

I step out into the hall where Nicolas awaits me. Like many of the guards, Nicolas wears his uniform with pride and it suits him well. His eyes light up at the sight of me and it makes the butterflies in my stomach twirl and spin.

“Wow, Bee. You look amazing.”

A blush creeps up my cheeks. “Thank you.”

I go to tuck the strands of hair behind my ear, forgetting it’s tied back. I lower my hand and start to anxiously play with the edge of my gloves instead.

My shoes tap loudly on the ground as Nicolas escorts me toward the ballroom. My handsome fiancé greets us at the door. The white uniform he wears like another layer of skin is immaculate and covered with medals of honour, like scars earned on the battlefield. He offers me his arm, a true gentleman as he takes in my outfit and the effort I made in my appearance.

“The dress is lovely,” he praises.

I nod in agreement.

My gloved hand slides down the front of my dress, feeling no resistance in the material that shrouds me beautifully.

Nicolas opens the doors for us and announces our arrival. Heads turn harshly and voices evaporate into a ghostly silence around us. My stomach churns like a cauldron and bile burns my throat with unhelpful nerves.

“Let’s have fun. Play the music, drink and dance to your heart’s content. That’s an order,” Axel yells beside me, making the room come alive again.

The musicians begin to play from their podium and pairs of people begin to dance in the centre of the room, filling the dance floor with various shades of colourful clothing.

“Come with me,” Axel demands, pulling me tightly by the arm in excitement.

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