Thorns of Fate: Serendipity Saga Book One

Chapter Twenty-Nine

It didn't take long for them to finish our hair and makeup which was fortunate by Kellic's watch. Kellic, Gabrielle, and my mother wore their dark hair pulled up into delicate buns on their heads, letting thin strands hang around their faces. For me, the stylist had solidified Kellic's style, sweeping half of my hair up and around the tiara while letting the rest fall along my shoulders in delicate curls.

My makeup hadn't been dramatic but I agreed with this, leaving most of the visual allure to the dress and tiara. It made for an astoundingly beautiful outfit. I was honored to get to wear it.

When we'd reached the salon without me breaking my neck, I began to trust a little more in Kellic's style of heel. Or maybe my vampire reflexes made the heels no match for me.

Carson gripped my arm as we made our way back to the foyer which was filled with Magicks of every shape, size, and ethnicity. Damien stood at the balcony overlooking the chaos below. We rounded the corner and he turned to take us in.

He stepped up a pulled me into a tight embrace, his voice squeezed with emotion. "You look stunning, my daughter," he said when he pulled away. He looked me over once before turning his gaze up to Carson's. "Thank you for keeping my daughter safe, Carson," he said. They shook hands and stepped apart, allowing Gabrielle, Kellic, and my mother to step closer.

Damien swept his gaze over Anton and Kellic who were speaking in light tones with smiles on their faces. He then approached my mother and gathered her into a hug, kissing the top of her head.

It was a beautiful imagery and I had to choke back tears at the thought of my once thought dead mother and absentee father sharing in this beautiful occasion with me. Now if only Will had been there to join us.

I tried not to let the crestfallen disappointment cross my face but Carson's fingers entwined mine and a glance to him showed knowing sympathy. I just had to make it through this night and then we would be out, looking for Will. That thought quelled some of my pitiful feelings.

Damien stepped back from us after issuing his greetings, looking over all of us as a group. "After all the careful planning and setbacks, it is finally time to crown my daughter. I expect everyone to be carefully vigilant in the night to come, looking for any hint of Henrick's hand."

Our group issued small affirmations to this, shifting perhaps a step closer to one another.

"Carson, Anton, and Liam, please help my daughter enjoy tonight but do not let her out of your sight." All three of them nodded, eyes on me.

My cheeks went ablaze under their scrutiny.

My father looked down at me. "The General Magick public will be entering before you. Then your entourage will be announced and led in, followed shortly by you and Carson. The beginning of the ball is more about greeting the people. Eventually, the suitor's dance will be announced and everyone will break off into pairs. After that, you will be formally crowned and the rest of the evening will be allowed to play out. If anyone notices anything amiss, please notify me immediately." His voice was serious in that instant.

A collection of nods and assent responded.

We watched quietly while hundreds of figures made their way through the door, talking amongst themselves and entered the doors at the base of the steps. It was a long process and we took the time to chat until it was our turn to enter.

Carson stayed close to me, keeping me neatly tucked under his arm for the entire wait time. He was tense and his eyes scanned the room every few seconds.

"Are you okay?" I finally asked, impatient with the silence. I pressed my hand against his hard chest, feeling the heat radiate from him.

He looked down at me and I was taken with the torn expression on his face. He wanted to talk to me, to share a private moment but it was obvious he also didn't want to miss anything in the world around us. "Are you?" He replied, checking my face for reaction then scanning the crowd again.