The Shattered Star by Scarlett D. Vine

Author:Scarlett D. Vine [Scarlett D. Vine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scarlett D. Vine
Published: 2023-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 31

Caes

It was Caes’s final night at the Ardinani court, and she dressed for the farewell ball with all the enthusiasm of an enamoured bride preparing for her wedding. After, she proceeded to the hall where the ball was to be held with all the enthusiasm of a dog chasing a ball.

The end to this horrible Ardinani affair was in sight.

Finally.

Caes restrained herself from skipping—she was almost free.

“I thought you said the Ardinani were prim,” Kerensa said, giving Caes’s dress—and its cleavage—a long gaze. Caes’s ensamble was much more revealing than Kerensa’s own, which consisted of yet another surcoat—emerald green this time—and black breeches and boots. Not quite ball attire, but Kerensa wasn’t one to go by conventions.

“What are you talking about?”

“That.”

Caes shrugged. Her dress wasn’t that dramatic. At the Malithian court, no one would have looked twice at what Caes wore. Malithians appreciated fine craftsmanship when they saw it.

“They are stuffy,” Caes said. “Princesses cannot have bare shoulders.” She motioned to the sleeves perched dutifully on her arms.

“Then what is with—” Kerensa gestured at her own bosom.

Caes splayed out the skirts. “I figured, why not? I’m a Malithian princess, no? I should dress like one.”

“Yes, that you are,” Kerensa said with a grin.

It was a beautiful dress, cleavage notwithstanding. Truthfully, Caes could’ve done without that aspect, since it meant that certain parts would take a chill. But fashion required sacrifices.

The dress in question was a glorious black gown with a train, covered with a black lace overlay and embroidered with flowers and clear gems. However, the flowers were not merely ribbon and thread, but were in fact little red rose buds plucked from the bush and sewn on that afternoon. She wore a necklace of black onyx around her neck, set in a delicate silver filagree. What she wore was similar to what she wore to first ball she had attended in Malithia, where she and Alair had that awkward conversation that spurred their friendship. Her heart ached at the memory.

“Will you two shut up?” Cylis asked, ignoring the sorrow that crossed Caes’s features. She shook herself out of her malaise. She’d work on getting Alair back—after tonight. With the Ardinani court done with, she’d have time to plan and opportunity to act.

Caes and her entourage turned down another hall, and the lurkers in the corridor grew thicker with each step, each seeking to catch a glimpse of the infamous Malithian princess.

“It’s just a dress,” Cylis added. “Caes owns hundreds of them.”

“It’s never just a dress,” Kerensa said, lowing her voice. “And quiet—people are watching us speak to Her Highness.” Cylis rolled his eyes in reply. People were watching—anytime Caes left her room she was watched, and tonight was no exception.

“You didn’t have to come,” Kerensa said to Cylis.

“Like hells I didn’t.” They kept their voices muted.

“What do you mean?” Caes asked.

Cylis’s features took on a certain puzzled, if pained look. Almost like a cat that had swallowed a live minnow. “This is you. You’re…here.” Cylis motioned towards the Ardinani courtiers.

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