It begins with us.

Chapter Forty-Two

Ava's POV

I look at the make-up Sofia's artist had just finished applying to my face, and I can't help but smile at the woman staring back at me. Sure, I have worn make-up before, like fore my uncle Jakes wedding a few years ago to his second wife, but I had never looked like this before. I had done my make-up in the past, and judging by my reflection, I must have looked like a clown. My skin was flawless, with no foundation lines anywhere. It was blended in perfectly that it matched the skin tone on my neck and chest. My cheeks were stained with a red blush that shimmered against the bronze powder that made my face glow with a natural warmth. My eyelids were shaded with two colours, Gold and Teal that matched my dress perfectly. Black eyeliner had made my teal eyes stand out bold against the dark shade, and I honestly looked as though I was wearing contact leases, because my eyes have never looked the way they do now. My hair was curled then brushed out, making my long locks look like waves in the ocean that fell around my shoulders and back.

"Absolutely beautiful Ava."

My eyes move to Sofia as I stare at her through the mirror. My eyes widen as I take in the blood red floor length gown she is wearing. Her right arm is covered to her fingertips in the fabric as it circles around her chest, exposing her other arm completely. The diamonds that are attached to the top part of the gown twinkle and shin with each step she takes as the fabric hugs her body tightly.

"Wow."

I breath out as I turn in my chair, taking her in without the mirror this time. Sofia has always looked elegant in whatever she wears, but tonight? She looks like the Goddess of love and beauty, draped in the most expensive fabrics and stones that man had ever created. Her dark hair is pulled into a braided bun that sits high on top of her head. Small white and red stones are gathered around the bottom of the bun, the colour a perfect match to her dress and earrings.

"Stand Ava, let me look at you."

I rise out of my chair and walk the few steps towards her, stopping when I'm only a few feet away. The teal dress I had chosen feels like I am wearing nothing at all, unable to feel the material against my skin as I run my palms over my stomach. Sofia's eyes scan my body from top to bottom, a smile stretching her lips as she nods her head.

"You look like a true queen my darling. And tonight, you will take your place beside your king."

I blush at her words, my chest expressing warmth as it consumes me completely.

"Mama? Ava?"

I lean to my right as I watch Rivka enter the dressing room, gasping as enters. Black, that is all Rivka is draped in as she comes to stand next to her mum, kissing her softly on the cheek before grinning towards me.

"Wow Ava... I cannot believe how beautiful this colour is on you."

"And I can't believe how dangerous you look."

It was true. Rivka had chosen a tight leather A line gown with thick straps that slightly flared at the bottom, giving her legs enough room to move. Her eyeshadow and lipstick were the same colour as her gown, making her green eyes pop against the dark shade. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail that stopped in the middle of her back. She looks dressed to kill, literally.

"Here are the blades you will be carrying with you both tonight."

Sofia says while pulling two small blades with brown handles out of her purse. She moves to the make-up desk and places her purse down before turning to Rivka. She holds one in her hand while her mother moves the leather material near her breasts and reveling the pocket that had been sown into it. I watch as Sofia gently places the blade into the seem as she continues to do the same on the other side, begin careful not to let the sharp blade slice her daughter's skin. Once she is done, she turns back to her purse and removes another two blades. I move to stand in front of her, holding my breath as Sofia moves the material under my breast to the side and hides the blade into the pocket, doing the same with the other. The dress as a slit down the front, exposing my breastbone and faded white and pink scars that decorate on chest. I look down and sway side to side, smiling when I can't notice them.

"Remember your training, Ava. You are not trained to injure, but to kill, do you understand?"

I nod my head and straighten my spine, knowing that whoever was behind this would take me tonight. And I wouldn't let that happen.

"Our men will be attending and have strict instructions not to let you out of their sights. I promise Ava, that no harm will come to you."

"I trust you, Sofia."

I say without hesitation, knowing that she will go to great lengths to keep me safe. She turns towards Rivka, and a beautiful smile graces her face at the sight of her.

"Rivka, this is your first desert diner. Please enjoy yourself."

Sofia gave her daughter a proud smile as she brushed her cheek softly.

"I will Mama." she nods and turns to me. "And if we happen to kill tonight, then I would have had the best night of my life."

I laugh as we fall into one another, linking our arms as we follow an amused Sofia out the doors and down the grand staircase.