Page 22 of A Trial of War
“Skylar, come on,” Neera said in a gentle tone, her eyes softening as she stood beside Rhea. “You get to wear a fancy dress, have your hair done, and say a few words to bind yourself to your mate. Is thisreallythat horrible?”
I rolled my eyes. “Yes.”
Not only was I going to be the center of attention, which still made me uneasy, but I had to endure the torment of dressing up.
Neera shook her head. “I think it’s kind of sweet.”
“You would.”
“Is the High Fae lady here yet with Sky’s dress?” Rhea asked. “I’m almost done with her mop of hair, and dare I say, she now looks presentable.”
I narrowed my eyes at my best friend. “After all the pins and curls, it better be.”
Rhea leaned forward, flashing me a bright smile. “Suck it up, buttercup.”
“I’m here! I’m here!” Idris declared as she glided through the wide double doors of mine and Daxton’s room, with a white gown cradled in her arms.
“Oh, yay!” Neera bounced on her heels, clapping with excitement.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting the cool breeze through the open patio doors calm me. I wasn’t sure why I felt so nervous. But it felt like a ball was tightening into a knot in my stomach, making even my appetite disappear.
Footsteps echoed softly across the marble floor. “Skylar,” Idris said. Her voice was gentle as she placed her hand over mine. “That twisted feeling in the pit of your stomach is normal. I was a wreck the morning I married Adohan.”
My eyes flew open to meet hers. “Really?”
She nodded.
My shoulders sagged in relief. “Oh, thank the gods. I thought I was, well—”
“Oh, trust me, you’re weird,” Rhea teased with a genuine smile. “But that’s what makes you, you.”
“Thanks,” I said, drawing out the syllable.
Neera couldn’t help but giggle.
“Alright now,” Idris said with a small smile, “let’s not keep Daxton waiting.”
The gown I wore was the epitome of understated elegance, clean and timeless. A high-waisted silhouette elongated my frame, flowing into a floor-length skirt of airy, lightweight fabric that moved like a whisper with every step.Delicate lace overlaid the sweetheart bodice and extended into graceful off-the-shoulder sleeves, which blended into a sheer back.
No heavy beading or dramatic train—just simple beauty.
“You’re stunning, Sky,” Neera said.
“And you can’t forget these.” Idris handed me the final touch—a bouquet of moondance flowers, wrapped in a purple satin ribbon.
A sniffle broke the silence. Rhea stood holding Neera, both their eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
“Not you, too,” I huffed.
“Shut up.” Rhea laughed, wiping her cheek. “It’s all Neera’s fault.”
“Are you ready?”
I spun toward the doorway, recognizing the deep, steady voice, Magnus. My uncle stepped into the room, looking almost as stunned as I felt. He was dressed in sleek black pants and a crisp, tailored shirt, likely wearing the finest silks that Silver Meadows had to offer.
He stilled as his eyes landed on me. “You…”
“It’s a lot. I—”
