Carmine (Completed)

Chapter 13

The long red dress was fettered by a wide belt of black feathers in the center and with the outer bands a golden colored twine. It gave off a striking appearance. I leaned over and gazed at myself in this attire which I did think was weird, while Guzton orbited around me. 

He was the dressmaker and he was a meticulous one at that. It was like he was making a masterpiece and it was for me.

Corona stood there quite untroubled by this long bid through the corner of my eye. She smiled at me with a knowing glare.

I froze.

Did she notice my glance at her?

Her lips tilted higher. She clasped her hand. “You look beautiful darling.” Yes, I was and it was provided by the temple. Corona was the one dressing me for this occasion, yet she was well-dressed herself. 

I was about to say something to that, but I decided to look away and nod my agreement. My courage bubbled up with more power after that shy instance. “I suppose—it is early I did not expect to be dragged out of bed so quick before the sun rises," I said.

Corona moved somewhere behind me. “Sorry about that, but the King has requested your presence quite swiftly as soon as he heard. You will be led into the palace of the city by his escort.” 

That was good. If I was going to meet the King, that meant, I could see Para. My old friend from the only good days. 

Seeing her again would lift so much dispair off my shoulders. 

“I love it sooo. She is scrumptious, the King is sure to devour her up,” Guzton said. 

The two Judgments in the room turned their heads towards Guzton. 

Corona’s words summed up the mood. “Guzton please refrain from such repulsive talk in the house of her patron.” 

“You say that and yet all the men have fornicated many times. The young noble girls enjoy the blessed steel the most.” Not a soul uttered a word. Gustin continued, “I guess when your bodies are blessed by Erot your vitality is truly—godly.” 

The judgments gotten ridged. I turned and noted Corona’s shocked expression. I decided to change the subject. “I wonder how soon they will be here?” 

Corona recovered with a cut of her eyes at Guzton and her confident smile. “Shoul—"

“My lady!” a hoarse feminine voice called. 

Corona whipped her head upward as did I. I gave her a weary smile. 

“Guess it won’t be long.” The knock on the door was loud. Corona called out, “Come!” 

The servant marched in and curtsied. Corona motioned for her to raise. They talked in hushed whispers before Corona called over the judgments. 

I tried straining my ears to listen when a powerful tug on the left side of my dress destabilized me. Guzton’s face was close to me, very close. 

He said, “Do not trust anyone."

What?

Guzton pushed me up, but I almost tumbled backward. My mind and body steadied from the shock. I stared down, but Guzton already turned and walked away. 

I reached after Guzton. 

“Lady Carmine, they are ready.” 

My body flinched to hear Corona. I looked back at Carmine’s dull gaze then Guzton’s back, for she was already walked through the door.

What? What was that? What did that mean?

This was confusingly infuriating. I advanced towards the servant and with that we went downstairs.