( One Hour Later – The Imperial Palace – Cyrina's Chamber )
After a full hour of absolute, agonizing preparation—being plucked, pinned, laced, and decorated by a small army of palace maids—they finally step back.
I stand in front of the massive, gilded full-length mirror and literally gasp.
I am wearing a breathtakingly elegant, deep crimson gown.
The heavy silk cascades down to the floor in rich, sweeping layers, embroidered with subtle, shimmering golden threads that catch the light with every microscopic movement.
The bodice is perfectly tailored, making me look like the absolute untouchable ruler of the Eryndor court.
And the best part? I subtly flex my right wrist under the elegant, sheer lace of my sleeve. Yup. The dagger is still perfectly hidden.
I do a small, experimental twirl, watching the heavy red silk flare out beautifully around me.
