I had already gathered my fabric and sewing supplies from the market, diving into the creation of a stunning dress for the upcoming soirée. But just a few days ago, a messenger arrived, delivering a breathtaking dress along with a bouquet of vibrant red roses. Attached was a note, written in an enthusiastic scrawl: "May this dress highlight your beauty and make the evening unforgettable!"
With a flutter of nerves, I slipped into the dress, still in disbelief that it was the very one I had admired at Mrs. Nanette's1 tailoring shop, and it fit me like it was made for me. I spent hours in front of the mirror, admiring every angle and detail. Even Nimri and Sanise couldn't contain their excitement, eagerly reaching out to touch the fabric and share in my joy.
"I don't want to see you again until tomorrow afternoon," Sanise teased with a playful grin.
"What do you mean? Do you really think anything could happen?" I stammered, feeling a rush of embarrassment as I admired the dress hugging my figure in the mirror, my fingers gliding over the corset. For the first time, I felt truly beautiful.
"Are you serious?" she laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "With how stunning you look, he'll have to fight off a crowd just to get a chance to dance with you!"
I shot her a skeptical glance. After all, I was a Drow in a bustling human city—it's a miracle anyone would even consider dancing with me.
"Trust me, I even packed your new lingerie in your backpack," she continued, her excitement bubbling over. "You know, the one from that special shop!"
I stared at her in disbelief, but her infectious joy was impossible to dampen.
"Oh, don’t give me that look, darling," she said, playfully poking my stomach. "Tonight is your night with a charming guy. Embrace it! I’m so thrilled for you!" And with that, she wrapped me in a warm hug, her enthusiasm wrapping around me like a cozy blanket.
“Milady, your escort awaits.” came a gentle rap at the door.
“Milady?” I mused to myself, as if I were some grand lady of the court. Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of my chamber, cheeks aflame, trying to brush off the playful whistles and murmurs that followed me through the tavern. Outside, Ykril stood by a magnificent carriage, drawn by two regal white horses, their coats gleaming in the light.
“You look absolutely breathtaking,” he beamed at me, his eyes sparkling with delight. My heart raced, threatening to burst from the confines of my corset, and warmth crept to the tips of my ears. Flattered, I cast my gaze downward, a shy smile playing on my lips. When I dared to look up again, he was watching me with a patient, earnest expression. Dressed in a striking dark blue uniform, his hair perfectly styled, he looked every bit the dashing gentleman.
He must have spent a small fortune to create this enchanting spectacle just for me—the dress, the carriage, the entire soirée. Did he truly hold such affection for me, or was this merely a grand illusion, reminiscent of my past with Tarlyn?
“A carriage?” I exclaimed, my disbelief evident as I took in the sight before me.
With a cheerful flourish, he declared, "For you – only the best." his gaze seemingly feasting on me as he extended a hand to assist me into the carriage. In that instant, all my doubts and past experiences melted away. I reached for his hand, channeling the grace of a courtly lady, allowing him to guide me into the vehicle.
After a brief journey through a series of grand gates, we arrived at an immense edifice that stretched endlessly to either side. As he helped me out of the carriage, I felt his hand gently resting on my back, sending a wave of warmth and comfort coursing through me. The nagging pain from my scars, remnants of my clash with Tarlyn, faded away, allowing me to breathe deeply once more. It was a delightful sensation, but my attention quickly shifted to the entrance before us, framed by a canopy and supported by majestic marble columns. As we approached, servants swung open the colossal wooden doors with a flourish.
Before stepping inside, Ykril extended his arm toward me. Initially puzzled by the gesture, I soon noticed a couple nearby, where the woman had linked her arm with the man’s. Mimicking their movement, I hooked my arm through Ykril's and followed him into the palace.
We entered a splendid hall, warm and bright, where couples twirled gracefully to the music of an orchestra. Feeling a bit shy, I edged closer to Ykril, my eyes wandering until I spotted a small group of ladies at the room's edge. They were whispering and giggling, their fingers pointing in my direction. Curiosity piqued, I couldn’t help but wonder what they were saying about me.
Across the dance floor, my eyes landed on a striking older woman with flowing white hair, elegantly clad in a stunning black ball gown and topped with a grand hat. She waved at me, her smile radiating warmth, and I instantly recognized her as the enchanting figure from the tailor shop window, showcasing exquisite garments.
Ykril, ever perceptive, sensed my unease and leaned in to whisper, "Don't worry. You're safe with me." planting a tender kiss on my forehead. In that moment, as I gazed at him, my heart swelled with joy, and I felt tears of happiness threatening to spill. I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that he had whisked me away to this lavish soirée, where golden threads shimmered in every direction, adorning the guests like stars in the night sky.
"Could you hold on for just a moment? I need to have a quick word with the orchestra," he said softly.
"Please—don't leave me here alone." I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper.
"It won't take long." he assured me, planting a gentle kiss on my cheek before he slipped away.
In that moment, I caught the tail end of a woman's hushed words, dripping with disdain: "Who allowed a Drow to step foot in here? How scandalous!" Her expression was one of pure revulsion as she and her friend swiftly distanced themselves, rallying a few more couples to join their hasty retreat. A wave of panic washed over me as I desperately scanned the room for Ykril, suddenly aware of the invisible barrier that had sprung up around me, cutting me off from the lively throng that had once surrounded us.
Fortune smiled upon me as Ykril honored his word. Before long, he appeared before me, extending a gentle invitation to dance as the music shifted to a slower tempo.
"But I can't dance," I confessed, a blush creeping onto my cheeks, to which he simply replied with a warm smile, "Neither can I."
With a mix of trepidation and excitement, I stepped onto the dance floor beside him, my heart racing as he placed a hand on my hip. "Just rest your other hand by my side and mirror my movements," he whispered, his voice soothing. I nestled closer, surrendering to the rhythm as I followed his lead.
Time melted away as the orchestra spun its enchanting melodies, and I found myself swept up in the moment, gliding across the floor as if we were floating on air. More than once, I lost sight of the bustling crowd in the grand hall, completely absorbed in our own world. As the music softened into a soothing lull, he pulled me closer, his warmth radiating through our clothes, and I caught a whiff of his delightful, slightly sweet, earthy scent, with just a whisper of cinnamon. His blue-grey eyes twinkled with a tenderness that made my heart skip a beat. With my eyes closed, I nestled my head against his shoulder, surrendering to the bliss of his gentle caresses along my back, utterly enchanted by the magic of the dance.
In an instant, his hands cradled my cheeks, guiding my head with a gentle touch that sent waves of comfort through me. With my eyes closed, I surrendered to the moment, resting my head in his palm while his other hand brushed softly against my skin, as if he were on the brink of a kiss. I could feel his hesitation, his fingers lingering on my cheek, and in my mind, I was pleading, "Come on, sweetheart. Just kiss me!"
As I tightened my grip on him, he finally summoned the courage, and at last, his lips met mine. The world around us faded away; the orchestra and the crowd vanished, leaving just the two of us in our own little universe. I pressed closer, pouring all my passion into the kiss, feeling that familiar, intoxicating warmth radiate from him, just like it had at the entrance of the hall when the pain of my scars had eased. But this time, it enveloped him entirely. I felt as if I were floating in bliss, all my worries swept away. I clung to him, my knees weak, afraid I might crumble under the weight of this overwhelming joy. In his embrace, I found a sanctuary where I could lose myself completely, savoring the tenderness of his hold, the warmth that enveloped me, the intoxicating scent he carried, and the sweet caress of his lips against mine.
Our revelry was abruptly halted by a man who stood rigidly beside us, clearing his throat with an air of authority. "The festivities have come to a close. We kindly request that you and your... companion vacate the premises," he directed at Ykril, completely overlooking my presence and lacing his words with a hint of disdain for the term "companion."
Ykril shot him a glare, muttering something under his breath, but chose silence over confrontation as he escorted me to the reception desk, where I returned my backpack.
"Care for a cup of tea?" he asked, a twinkle in his eye. "I just picked up some mint that the merchant swore is the finest in the land."
His smile was so inviting that I couldn't help but agree, even though a part of me suspected—perhaps even hoped—that he had more than just tea on his mind.
