Page 33 of When Eden Falls

“Havav?”

“Our lord.”

Oh.Him!I snapped my eyes away, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Wow, my hair looked good. I looked good. I went to stand, gently touching my now thick, wavy locks and the intricate braiding on each side. Tiny shells and gems sat in amongst the plaits adding detail. The style made my eyes stand out, my eyelashes and brows a dark contrast against my pale skin.

Taking in the dress laying in Yuska’s arms, I untied my robe, reluctantly losing the comfort of its warmth. Uncomfortably naked, I bobbed down to allow Yuska to heave the heavy dress upover my head. The fabric fell to the ground in a ripple of waves. I looked down at the dark, shimmering material, stroking its smoothness over my hips and legs. It hugged my body, accentuating my lean curves.

The sleeves were long and loose, clasped at the wrist with a thick golden band. The neckline swept low at the front, forming an acute V near the bottom part of my breastbone. An intricate chain of gold links, clasped at the base of the V, dropped down to my waist. It was all a little too much for my modesty. I tugged the material closer, trying to conceal the roundness of my breasts.

Yuska smiled at me as she pulled my hands gently away. “This is a popular Akquarian style. Although, Akquarian females are only blessed with a subtle bump of breast. You appear to have ample.”

I peered down at my chest. “You make it sound like mine are huge.”

Yuska’s eyebrows elevated in amusement. “I did not say huge.”

“Are they…are they too exposed?”

“No.” She tapped my hand away again. “It suits you.”

I looked at her petite face. Eyeing me from head to toe, she seemed genuinely impressed. Did I look that good?

The nerves hit me. Why had Havav asked me to dress this way? Would it only be him and me at dinner? I hoped not. I wanted Rooke there, but now I was starting to think it was best if he wasn’t. What the Nux wasRookegoing to think if he saw me dressed like this?

Yuska opened the door to the bedroom, and I stepped through glancing behind me to appreciate the swishing of my skirt. I found Zamya and Cora standing in the middle of the bedroom. They both looked beautiful, their hair in neat arrangements of loose curls and braids, their long dresses less revealing than mine but still made to flatter in shades of green.

Cora gaped at me. Zamya smirked. “I do not recall ever seeing you in a dress. Especially one quite so elegant,” she eyed the plunging neckline, “and revealing.”

I tried to pull the fabric together again and Yuska slapped my hand away. “Stop that,” she said.

Zamya laughed. “You might as well flaunt it.”

I sighed deeply, closing my eyes. I felt so out of my comfort zone.

Within fifteen minutes, we were being marched down the halls and stairwells by an entourage of guards, with Yuska and the other females beside us. The soles of my bare feet screamed at the sharp chill as they continually slapped against the hard floor, and my stomach was churning with anxiety more than hunger.

Zamya nudged my shoulder and whispered, “Did Yuska give you any underwear?”

“No.”

“Is it me, or does it feel a little breezy without any on?”

I chuckled. “I strongly advise not to start any table dancing later.”

A wicked laugh escaped Zamya, causing Yuska to shoot us a stern look.

Our entourage halted before a wide double door. The dark stone screeched open and Yuska guided us over the threshold, into an artificially lit room. The glow held an orange hue, with the smell of incense hanging in the air. It felt strangely welcoming. And then I realised I could hear Rooke’s voice, speaking with another. Where he was, I couldn’t tell. A line of guards shielded my eyes from the extent of the vast room.

I pulled my gaze to a guard who was approaching us. It was the same one who had escorted us to our rooms yesterday. His gold armour gleamed in the light, his blue cape shifting behind him. His crystal blue eyes met mine and I swore I caught a glimpse of shock flashing across them. I held my breath in question. Was he shocked at how different I looked? Had I appeared so utterly untamed yesterday? The thought horrified me.

“Welcome,” his tone short but amiable. “Please follow me, I will show you to your seats.” In a swish of blue, he turned and walked further into the room. I followed, glancing at the line ofguards as we passed. All of them held weapons—deadly spears or curving swords.

Rooke’s voice grew louder, Kobe’s too, and a wave of relief washed over me. No sign of discomfort or terror from either one, only civilised conversation.

The blue caped guard led us through a line of marble pillars, and I spotted Rooke sitting at a long rock-table at the far end of the room. He was laughing with the Akquarian leader, Havav.Laughing.

Still walking, I glanced at Rooke again. He looked…different. A smile tugged at my lips at the realisation he’d been groomed. Wearing a dark, high-necked jacket, his hair had been trimmed and combed. But the biggest shock of all, was his stubbled beard was gone. Only smooth golden skin remained.

“Ah, finally. The ladies are here.” Havav stood up at the far end of the long table. The fabric of his turquoise jacket glistened with his sleek movement. Locking his eyes with mine as I drew closer, he smiled, gesturing to the chair to his right, opposite Rooke. “Will you do me the honour?”