When the hour finally arrived, Rosalind stood before the mirror as the servants finished dressing her in the emerald gown.
Just as she had imagined, it enhanced her beauty without revealing too much, the rich fabric catching the light and glinting softly beneath the chandelier. The deep green seemed to bring warmth to her hazel eyes, making them glow.
She then fastened the diamond bracelets around her wrists and the matching earrings at her ears, while the pearl necklace rested delicately against her neck. Her makeup had been done so flawlessly that every feature seemed softened yet striking, and her hair was swept into an elegant updo with a few loose tendrils escaping to frame her face.
"You are ready, my lady," the head maid said, while the others bowed.
Rosalind took a moment to study herself once more in the mirror, and for a second even she could hardly recognise the woman staring back at her. She looked almost unreal, like some goddess dressed for worship.
