The Dance of the Keepers

Chapter 40 Evening of Lights

"You know I think your creations are inspired, but I'm seriously sick of wearing dresses."
I complained when Wade Denton reappeared at my front door for the third and final evening of the gala.

"Oh, I rather think you're going to love this one."
The tailor told me with a twinkle in his eye.

The young Thomas followed him in grinning like a Cheshire Cat. I wondered if I should be excited or concerned. Nina showed up moments later, as my expert in hair and makeup.

"What have you for her this evening Mr. Denton?"
She asked politely.

He smiled mischievously and waved her over. They turned their backs to me as Wade showed Nina whatever dress I was expected to wear and there was some excessive oohing and ahhing.

I was then primped and prepped, all the while irritated that I had to attend yet another night of this ridiculous gala. Who thought it was a good idea to have three consecutive nights? An idiotic noble for certain.

When it finally came time for the dress to be revealed, I'll admit was floored.

"You really outdid yourself."
I managed to say, staring at the gorgeous gown.

If I had thought the blue dress was stunning and the other two were clever, this one easily left them looking shabby. It was the queen of gowns and as they dressed me in it, I felt rather like a queen myself.

It was silver like my hair with an iridescent sheen that caused it to sparkle with every color of the rainbow in the right light. It was sleeveless with a scooped neck that allowed my shard necklace to lay perfectly centered on my chest between my neck and the fabric. It was a silky material that swished when I moved with tiny ruffles along the bodice that faded down into the skirt. An extra layer between my hips and the dress caused it to fan out gracefully with a slight train in the back and gentle rise in the front that showed off my knee high silver leather boots, stitched with a thread that was as iridescent as the material in the gown.

However, none of that was what made me fall instantly in love with it. No, that honor belonged to decorative sword belt fashioned to sit comfortably at my waist that held two short swords, one on my right and one on my left. The swords were pinned to the dress just right so that they looked as beautiful and part of the outfit as they did lethal.

They then braided my hair back in a complicated two strand hairline twist and did my make up light, my pale complexion for once not making me look like a creature of the night but instead like some sort of fairy princess.

For the final evening of the gala, we were each to arrive alone so I had no Jasper or Kyle to make the ride over with me. My heart beat violently inside my chest as I stepped from the limo onto the red carpet, cameras flashing and the crowd of people pushing for a closer view.

Oddly, I felt more confident than I ever had before and held my chin up high as I ascended the palace steps. When all of us competitors reached the ballroom, we were asked to line up as the royal family made their grand entrance. I hardly paid attention as the King and Queen descended the golden staircase, my eyes were fixed solely on Ranen who looked as dashing as ever in his military uniform. His dark eyes locked with mine and his jaw actually dropped for a moment when he saw me. I couldn't help but smirk at his reaction, feeling a little giddy.

It was traditional on the last evening for the royal children to each select a competitor for their first dance. There was no hesitation in Ranen's steps as he crossed the ballroom floor and bowed politely in front of me.

"Might have this dance, my lady?"

Any other time I would have rolled my eyes at the title "my lady" but in that moment it didn't sound so ridiculous to my ears. I curtsied properly, Nina had been drilling me on the skill and took his hand.