The Skin Thief

Chapter 54

Kiora

With every wretched click of Princess Alethia's cane, Kiora feels sicker and sicker. She tries to keep her eyes ahead, to not look at the wives and concubines.

They all stand in the grand hall of Alathor Court. The wives stand on one side, and the concubines on the other, facing each other. The concubines try to hide their excited hopeful smiles as Princess Alethia makes her way into the hall, ready to announce who the emperor has chosen to spend the night with.

The Princess walks slowly between them, her face neutral. Kiora stops breathing as her dragon eyes fall on hers.

"Tonight, the emperor asks for Lady Kiora," she finally says. No one makes a noise, but Kiora can feel the disappointment ripple through the room. She dares not look at the wives or she may crumple beneath their veiled looks of hatred.

"Yes, Princess," Kiora says and bows her head.

"Come, we must get you ready."

She clicks her cane on the floor twice and all the concubines shuffle off. The wives also gather together and make their exit, whispering to themselves and exchanging looks in Kiora's direction.

Kiora takes in a shallow breath, her stomach fluttering with fear, both from being around the princess and from having to spend another night with the emperor again.

"To your room, now," the princess orders. Kiora curtseys quickly and then makes her way to her room where Sorcha waits, grinning widely.

"Two nights in a row, that is something special," she says.

Kiora raises a brow. "Really?" she asks.

"Of course," Sorcha says as she and her team start undressing Kiora. "The emperor barely sees any wife twice in a week, let alone in a row."

"Well, we have only just gotten married," Kiora sighs and thinks about the rest of the sentence.

He's not bored with his new toy yet.

Sorcha giggles and guides Kiora to her bath. "Well, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful night."

"I'm sure I will," Kiora replies quietly and sinks into the cold water. She can't help but moan as icy water consumes her. Immediately, her body relaxes and her mind clears. She ignores Sorcha and the handmaidens as they rub various lotions over her skin and through her hair.

Too soon, she is stepping out and they are styling her hair and getting her dressed.

"No make-up," Kiora instructs as Sorcha walks over to the dressing table.

"Are you sure?" she asks. "We make it subtle like there's nothing there."

"No. My skin is finally clean of grime. I do not want anything on it now. I want this freshness I'm finally feeling to stay a little while."

"Yes, Lady Kiora," Sorcha says and puts the powder back down. "And how would you like your hair?"

"Just brushed through. No styling."

Sorcha nods her head and they start dressing her in a pretty, delicate, silver dress.

"All done, Lady Kiora," Sorcha says, grinning widely. "And may I say, you look magical tonight?"

Kiora smiles softly. "Thank you, Sorcha," she replies and moves toward the door.

The handmaidens open it and Kiora jumps, seeing Princess Alethia waiting outside. The woman narrows her eyes at her, inspecting her closely.

"Is everything okay, Princess?" Sorcha asks, her voice trembling slightly.

"Is she supposed to be ready?" Alethia asks.