The Point of A Dagger

Thirteen

"Where are we with the food situation?" I ask Ronan as I sit at the vanity, two maids working on my hair as he stands at the doorway.

"All is clear so far. Everything has been tested and cleared then sent to a secure location until it's time." I nod with a sigh of relief.

"No new updates I presume?"

"No, ma'am."

"And the preparations for tomorrow's journey?"

"All under way and on schedule."

"Very well. Thank you, Ronan." He nods his head and begins to leave. "Oh, and make sure the prince gets something to eat. He'll be in his room all night. Make it clear that there will be consequences if he attends. Those of which will contain weapons." He nods again before leaving.

With the new updates from Azore, I have lost all faith and trust in Griffin. He had to have known of Cain Astor's plans to take over Azore. And he didn't tell me.

I had thought we were becoming allies, friends, even. I guess I was wrong, again.

By the time my ladies had finished my hair, my back was still and my neck was sore. I looked into the mirror, gazing at the ever so elegant, braided updo they created. It made me look regal. My hair collected on the back of my hair, aside from the delicate curls framing my face. Before I could even admire it, Maeve set my delicate tiara on my head. A single, bejeweled band sat directly on my heat, while another one, arched with sculpted flowers, rose above it. The tiara looked as if it had been made by the Land, encompassing life itself.

"You look beautiful, Your Majesty," Maeve says, holding my hand in both of hers. With a warm smile, I thank her.

After stealing a few bites of fruit, Maeve ushers me into my dressing room, my gown hanging on the wall. I hardly get a good look at it before Maeve and two other ladies help me into it.

I gaped when I saw my reflection. I was utterly speechless. I had worn beautiful dresses before, but nothing compared to this.

The dress was red. Wine red. It commanded the room, but set the focus on me, on my face that commanded the same amount of attention. On the deep v-neck of the bodice, revealing my collarbone and chest, and my back, my hair leaving the skin on display. It was completely bejeweled in more reds, the sheer sleeves sparkling on my arms, fitted down to my hands. And the skirt of the dress... It fit my waist perfectly, and then billowed out into a traditional ball gown made of taffeta. Jewels started from the waistline and faded down the material at the bottom bare, but still stunning. The train was small, fabric pooling out around my feet where I wore heels and black as the night sky.

"You look stunning, miss," one of the ladies said to me. I could only nod my agreement.

"Thank you all." With a nod, the two ladies left, leaving me with Maeve.

"It's time," she says, extending a hand to me. I take it gently, allowing her to lead me out of the room, into the hallway, empty save for Ronan and Odele. They both greet me with smiles.

"I forgot something," I say quickly, turning back into my room. "I'll be just a moment."

I rush around the room, finding my red ribbon, along with the dagger from the blacksmith in Terberis.

Veni, vidi, vici.

I sheath the dagger around my waist, the red blending into the gown. Tying it securely, I make my way back out into the hall where the sound of music begins to flow through the castle.

"Is that necessary, Cassandra?" Maeve asks with a disapproving look. Odele smirks.

"Very," I reply, curtly.