Tide: Retelling the Little Mermaid (Curse-Breaker Series Book 3) by Alydia Rackham

Author:Alydia Rackham [Rackham, Alydia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-09-13T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

“Which dress did you choose, Emblyn?” Galahad called up the stairwell as he adjusted his cuff.

“The one with the flowers, sir,” she shouted back down.

Galahad stood in the entryway wearing his velvet suit again, ready and waiting. He’d heard the royal coach sent to fetch them pull up a few moments ago. Now Meira just needed to come down.

As soon as they had arrived back at the house, he’d told Little Emblyn to draw Meira up a hot bath, and he took hot water for himself up to his room and had a complete wash. Then, he’d put on his nightclothes and fallen asleep on his bed for four hours—a deeper sleep than he remembered enjoying in months. When he’d finally awakened, he’d gone downstairs to eat something, then retreated to his room to prepare for the ball. Little Emblyn hadn’t allowed him in the kitchen, of course, as she said she was washing Meira’s hair with rose oils and lavender.

Footsteps sounded toward the top of the staircase, and Galahad turned to look…

Meira glided down the stairs, all on her own. She wore a long, flowing gown of pale pink, covered in delicate pink-and-white silk roses. The off-the-shoulder neckline displayed the beauty of her pale throat, and the nearly-transparent sleeves hugged her graceful arms. The roses wrapped her slender bodice, and the skirt clouded all around her like wisps of a dream. Her dark hair was done back in a high, full braid—curling tendrils dancing by her temples and around her neck. Her cheeks flushed pink, her lips dark rose, her grey eyes lively and bright. Little Emblyn had wound roses in amongst Meira’s chestnut tresses, but otherwise she wore no jewelry or adornment. She looked like the grand lady in a fairy court.

The train of her gown spilled down the stairs behind her, and as Galahad drew in a stunned breath, he caught the intoxicating scent of rose and lavender that floated all around her.

She saw him staring, and beamed at him.

He cleared his throat, and sought out Little Emblyn, who’d ventured down the landing.

“Well done, Emblyn,” he said.

“Begging your pardon, sir,” Little Emblyn exchanged a cheeky look with Meira. “But I can’t take all the credit.”

Meira grinned up at the maid, then ducked her head again. Galahad’s gaze fell upon her once more, for he suddenly couldn’t think of a reply. Meira risked a glance up and saw him…

And she blushed.

Galahad blinked.

Tap, tap, tap!

Galahad lunged to the door and pulled it open.

“Are you ready, sir?” the royal footman smiled and tipped his plumed hat.

“Yes, we are,” Galahad answered, straightening his waistcoat. “Thank you.”

He faced Meira again, and held out his arm to her.

She inclined her head, then gave him a perfect curtsey. She arose like a blooming flower, stretched out her white hand and took his arm.

“Have a lovely night, little Cinder Girl!” Little Emblyn called after her, and Meira waved.

Galahad led her out the door, down the stoop and into the evening warmth. The decorated carriage waited, and the footman opened the door and pulled down the steps.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.