Princess of Dawn: Book 1 of The Crystal Crown Trilogy by Megan Gilbert
Author:Megan Gilbert [Gilbert, Megan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780645855319
Publisher: Crafted Press
Published: 2023-09-25T16:00:00+00:00
21
Galdinia stared at herself in the mirror of her dressing room. She ran her hands down the sleeves of her gown, not in order to smooth them, but out of nervous compulsion. The confidence she held hours earlier in the wood had worn off as she contemplated the evening ahead. Neryda tried to distract her with a long afternoon routine, including bathing, scrubbing her nails, pinning her hair, and trying on dresses from a selection that Madame Moya had made for the occasion. Finally, Neryda convinced Galdinia to wear the most illustrious of them all.
The ruby-red dress hugged Galdiniaâs frame, accentuating every curve of her figure. It clung to her arms, waist and the top of her thighs. From there, it fell loose around her feet, circling behind her in a subtle yet elegant train. The dress rested just atop her shoulders, leaving her collarbones bare, which was more revealing than her usual attire. Galdinia felt a strange mix of self-consciousness and elation. It was an exact replica of the dress her mother wore to the Royal Feast after the kingâs mother died. It was a celebration gown, a gown to remind everyone in the room who was in charge. Galdinia didnât know if she was worthy of wearing such a garment.
âHonestly, Gal, you look beautiful.â Neryda sat behind her, admiring her friend in the reflection of the mirror. âAnd stop fiddling with the sleeves. Theyâre fine.â
âAre you sure itâs not too much for such a sophisticated evening?â Galdinia asked, turning to look at her back where the dress dipped low, hugging each curve along the way.
âAbsolutely not,â Neryda assured her, now standing by Galdiniaâs side in her own shimmering gold dress. âIt is simply perfect. You look like a true ruler⦠almost.â
Neryda walked to the glass cabinet on the opposite wall. Inside were the jewels left for Galdinia by her parents, including her royal tiara. Neryda opened the doors and considered the pieces of jewellery; she was a child in a sweet parlour.
Neryda stood once again by her friend and handed her two golden earrings studded with clear luminescent crystals. The next piece of jewellery was a complementary necklace, which Neryda hooked around Galdiniaâs smooth neck with ease. Galdinia continued to stare at herself, feeling the weight of the accessories she now bore.
âAnd finallyâ¦â Neryda trailed off, lifting Galdiniaâs tiara to her head. She secured it in her silky, golden hair, careful not to ruin the delicately pinned arrangement of curls at the nape of her neck. Galdiniaâs gaze rested on the tiara, its crystals glinting in the setting sun that trailed into the room. The jewels sent shards of rainbows across the walls as she moved her head slowly to inspect Nerydaâs final work.
âYouâre a princess, my friendâa queen!â Neryda beamed in the mirror.
Galdinia was used to wearing her tiara, but the jewels on her ears and neck were especially heavy. âThis feels both strangely natural and beyond uncomfortable.â
âIt will just take some getting used to,â Neryda assured her, gazing at her friend in the mirror.
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