The Valerius estate had become a pressure cooker of refined desperation.
While Lady Elara, Selene, and Vivienne shrieked at their dressmakers over the 'inadequacy' of pastel tulles, I remained a statue of icy calm.
Mina's hands shook as she helped me into the structural masterpiece of blood-red velvet.
The corset sat with a lethal precision, the black lace of my opera gloves extending past my elbows to meet the dramatic fall of the sleeves.
I didn't need a sword to cut through the room; the high slit of my gown, revealing a scandalous length of my silk-clad leg with every step, was weapon enough.
"My lady, is… is this really adequate for the palace?" Innocent, timid Mina asked, and I let out a chuckle that bubbled in my throat.
"They're all looking for a bride, Mina," I whispered, watching my reflection. "But I'm just going to give them a revolution," I said. "I'll spice up the evening just enough so no one leaves without my name on their lips."
