The Oath of an Oxblood

36

I stepped out of Ember's bathroom, confused by what I was wearing.

"Is this right?" I asked as I stepped into Ember's line of sight. There was nothing particularly shocking about the dress—it was a standard ball gown. However, the color threw me off. "It's Oxblood."

Ember bounced up and ran his eyes over me. He slipped his hand into mine and lifted it, gesturing for me to twirl for him. I slowly twirled around, careful that I didn't trip over my feet. He nodded. "Yes. After the incident with the southerners, I think it would be best that no one knew you were a Slate. A stunning Oxblood dress will distract everyone enough."

"Why do we care?" I asked. "No southerners will be there."

I saw a sliver of anxiety cross his face. "Politics are a strange game," he started.

"Are you saying southerners will be at Ukina's wedding?" I burst out, shocked. Ember nodded lowly. "Didn't they just kill a bunch of people and declare war on us?"

"Not technically. They will, shortly. However, as of now, we are still technically on good terms." I was shocked.

"Can't Ukina uninvite them?" my heart was pounding as I thought about the possibility that Vincent would be there.

"Ukina was the one to invite them," he noted shortly. "She is a politician through and through. Becker tried to dissuade her, but she was set."

"Your sister is insane," I realized.

"Ruthless," Ember corrected. "Far too sane for her own good, I think. The southerners' presence is part of what informed my parents' decision to remain in the field." I nodded, distractedly. What would Vincent do if he were there? He knew I was a Slate. Would he try to grab me? Surely, I would be safe with Ember and the northern kingdom behind me. Right?

My consolation didn't stop anxiety swirling in my stomach. I felt like I was going to vomit. Instead, I took a deep breath and reached up to touch my hair. It was in a simple braid. Would that be sufficient for the wedding?

Ember noticed my glanced and gave me a reassuring smile. "A servant is coming in. He'll attend to your hair soon. He normally does Romina's, so you will be in good hands."

I nodded. "What are you going to wear?"

"Dress uniform," he said shortly. "Soldiers don't have much in the way of fancy clothing," he mused, glancing at me. He grabbed a pile of clothes on his bed and exited to change.

I sat down on the bed and closed my eyes. What was going to happen after the wedding? Would we go back out to the field? I knew Ember wasn't keen on the idea, but I helped keep him alive—even with Jack and Sam returned, he would need another trusted healer.

"M'lady?" a voice called into the room.

"Uh. Come in," I called awkwardly. It wasn't my room, so it felt strange giving permission. A servant stepped in with an array of ribbons and combs on a platter.

He smiled and pulled the chair from Ember's desk. "Please," he gestured. I got up and sat down in the chair, feeling more than a little uncomfortable. He removed the ribbon holding my braid and began combing through my hair. I winced as he hit a knot. "Apologies," he noted politely.

"You're okay," I said softly. "Sorry—I would have combed it better if I knew someone else was going to have to tame it today."

"Well," he noted from behind me. "Normally I am taming Romina's hair, so this is a welcomed change," he mused. "I see Ember has laid his claim on you."

"What?" I spluttered. Ember? I glanced to look behind me, but a sharp tug on my hair made me look forward again. "What do you mean?"

"Apologies. I did not realize it was such a sensitive topic," he said softly. "The Oxblood dress is fitting for you."