One of the maids had strongly urged him to wear more crystals across his chest, insisting that men of real standing often displayed four or five gems as a sign of rank.
Julian refused and wore only two.
Even so, the effect was striking.
Behind him, the maids exchanged satisfied looks. He really did look different. Olivia had already left midway through the process, after telling the maids to take full care of him and scolding Julian not to interfere with their work.
She was no doubt occupied with her own preparations.
Still, if she had been present now, Julian could already imagine how pleased she would be to see that her instructions had been followed so thoroughly.
"My lord, you look so magnificent," one of the maids could not help but mutter.
The others nodded in agreement.
"Thank you," Julian said with a small smile. "Are we done now?"
The maids bowed almost in unison.
"Yes, my lord. You are ready."
