Picking Petals:

Chapter 22: Traitor

   To my surprise as I walked into my bedroom there was a huge black box on my small bed, along with a note. I reached for the note immediately:

   Your bravery has no bounds, your beauty no limit.

   Always yours, Rone.

   I sighed tucking the note in my drawer, staring dumbfounded at the small wooden carved drawer. I opened the box and my breath caught in my throat, then I couldn't help but smile. I remember one of the many nights we laid together, wrapped in each others embrace he told me he loved the way red looked on me, a deep burgundy red.

   The dress was sleek and seemed to have a plunging back. I didn't even wait another second as I eagerly started stripping off my black tunic. The dress glided over my curves perfectly. As I looked in the mirror I couldn't help but blush at how reviling the dress really was. The back was dangerously low, if it were tugged just a half an inch down, you'd see my butt. My breasts were practically spilling out at the deep plunging V- neckline. I was scared to twirl in the dress as the split was so high it almost reached my hips. It was a simple silk dress but you could tell it was made for me, real silk was hard to come by in Valkri. The back of the dress had a slight train, nothing too extreme.

   "Wow where did you get that dress?" Berella mused at my door in her pink chiffon dress. Her long hair swept into two braids down her back, intertwined with strings of gold. "I came to do your hair, I figured you would need some help."

   I smiled at Berella gratefully, "I'd like my horns and ears to show tonight. After the weeks I've had I think I'm ready for some fun."

   Berella walked behind me so she could brush out my long unruly black hair. Something seemed different about Berella, she wasn't as bubbly. "Up for some drinks tonight? I heard they are bringing out some aged liquor tonight."

   "Count me in, I just cant be up too late I'm to meet Musho in the morning," I explained to Berella as she braided two small braids and joined them with a black ribbon at the back of my head.

   "I've always admired your hair, so shiny and black," Berella mused.

   "I've always admired yours, out of an entire crowd you'd always stand out," I told her as our eyes meet in the mirror, "I've missed you." I guess I didn't realize how much i missed her till I felt the awkward tension between us.

   "Rone told me what you are planning to do if you cant save Gregory," Berella gulped meeting my gaze. "I think after all we've been through together, you should have told me. I love you Nadia, and its not fare for you to make all these decisions, that not only affect you, but people who love you. Me, Lux, Simon, Noel, Rone especially." Berella silently walked to the door, but before leaving she said, "I get what your going through is hard, but you're not the only one hurting. I'll see you at the ball," even though Berella was visibly upset, she still managed a small smiled before leaving.

   I sat in front of the dusty old mirror, my bright blue eyes cold and distant. Berella and I didnt fight often, but when we did we usually forgave each other instantly. I dont think it would be that easy this time, Berella almost seemed like she had given up on me entirely. I stood out smoothing out the silk dress and took my white cloak and wrapped it over my shoulders. This ball was going to be incredibly less fun now that Berella and I were at odds. I decided to not even make it on time, I thought I was bold enough to be greeted alone, turns out not quiet.

   I was going to tread lightly tonight, stay to myself as much as possible, maybe talk to Shay and drink the night away with her. I knew James and Berella were going together, I had no clue who Tessa has spun to be her arm of the night.