A Court of Shadow and Song

Chapter 2

Gwyn POV

Gwyn practiced with the Shadowsinger much longer than she had planned. By the time she arrived to Nesta's room, Emerie and Nesta were both already seated in front of the mirrors with curlers in their hair and makeup spread across their faces.

"Where have you been!" Nesta squealed, jumping up to hug her friend, "I am freaking out! I need my Valkyrie sisters!" Gwyn laughed, knowing that no one was more prepared for this day than Nesta. Except, maybe, Cassian.

"I was training with Azriel for a bit." She said nonchalantly, heading into the bath chamber to clean up.

"Azriel? Interesting." Emerie smirked, wiggling her brows before spreading golden glitter across her eyelids. Gwyn rolled her eyes, throwing her boot at the Illyrian. "Gross that smells." Emerie laughed.

Gwyn smiled, joining her friends at the vanity, but she didn't miss the flutter in her stomach at the insinuation. Of course, Gwyn was not stupid enough to think that she could or should pursue a romantic relationship with the Shadowsinger. But she did find him utterly breathtaking. Thinking about his shadowed features often took her breath away.

Gwyn liked the Shadowsinger. And more importantly, she respected him and knew that he respected her too. He was one of the first men to look at her as a warrior, not as something to be pitied. Gwyn always felt safe around Azriel, even when she feared her own shadow. He had saved her.

"I can't handle any budding romances today." Nesta warned, "I am going to lose it just thinking about my own." Gwyn stifled a laugh at the panicked look on her friend's face.

"I assure you, you have nothing to worry about. Azriel came into the ring while I was practicing and offered to practice with the swords. There was no funny business... No matter how much Emerie wiggles her painted brows behind you." Gwyn smirked.

"That's no fun." Emerie sighed.

"You need to stop reading those smutty books the house keeps finding for you." Gwyn laughed and made work taking the curlers from Nesta's hair. Emerie stuck her tongue out at Gwyn in the mirror and began taking her own out too.

"I have a gift for you both." Nesta said once all the curlers had been removed. She walked over to her wardrobe and pulled out two gown bags. "I realize I never actually asked if you girls would stand by me on my mating day. I sort of just assumed. But I want nothing more that you, my chosen sisters, to stand beside me." She said shyly.

"Of course we will!" Emerie and Gwyn echoed.

"I hoped so! I bought you these dresses. I wanted you to feel just as beautiful as I will today... well, almost." Nesta added with a devilish smile. She handed the girls their gowns and smiled at her friends' gasps. "I wanted to stick to the Night Court color scheme." She added as the girls opened their bags.

Gwyn held a dark blue a-line floor length gown. The bodice was cut into a very deep v and was covered in lace and diamonds. The skirt pooled out to the floor with small diamonds sewn in as well. Emerie's dress was similar except in silver with alterations to fit her wings.

Gwyn could hardly contain her excitement as she changed into the dress - though it was more revealing than she was used to - she couldn't help but feel truly beautiful. She laid her red curls smoothly down her back, allowed Nesta to spread black coal across her eyelids, and called herself done.

The trio walked to the balcony where Mor, Rhysand, and Azriel stood. Gwyn couldn't help but look at the Shadowsinger in his black tux. She was certain that there had never been someone as devilishly handsome as he was right now. Gwyn's cheeks burned red when she realized he had caught her staring. No, she realized, he hadn't caught her staring.... He had been staring too.