The Arrival (Birthright Trilogy #1) (58 page)

Sian smiled and ran a hand over it.

'I am, it’s very sleek. It’ll look great with my dress.'

They both fell silent. Observing the chaos, as stylists raced around, tripping over one another and clients voiced loud opinions about each others hair and make-up.

'It nearly reminds me of our last night on Earth,' Sian said nostalgically. 'Just crazier.'

Eventually Kassie and Cat were done, and the four of them walked back to their room. The corridors and turret were crowded with guests and staff dashing about, and it was a relief to slip into their room and close the doors. Ada had dropped their dresses off, and they hung from each of their dressing table mirrors, with a pair of matching shoes below.

We had about an hour to kill, and I paced the floor in nervous anticipation.

I couldn’t lie down, thanks to my hair, which had been curled and then pinned so it cascaded down like a waterfall. I was to wear it draped over one shoulder the stylist had insisted, after she gushed over the color. It made me laugh. Sure my hair was pretty but with the fabulous blues, greens, and violets I‘d seen today, I didn’t think it compared. The stylist had shrugged and informed me red hair was unique.

So I still stand out. Even on a different world. Figures.
Audrey could sense my mood and it made her agitated. I studied her for a moment.

What will I do with her this evening?

As I pondered, a knock sounded on the door. I was surprised to find Ada there.

'What are you doing with Audrey tonight?' she asked, seeming a little anxious.

My jaw dropped.

'Do you read minds too?' I asked in amusement.

'Nnnoo,' she stuttered. 'It’s just, I haven’t a partner this evening and I intend on leaving early. Everyone’s focus will be on the ballroom, and I’d feel so much safer if Audi was with me. Would you mind if she stayed over in my room?'

I almost laughed at the look of concern in her eyes. It was very sweet and solved my problem in an instant.

'Audi, do you want to visit with Ada?' I smiled down at my furry critter who ignored me while she fussed over the diminutive fabricer. The other girls laughed and I said, 'I think that’ll be fine.'

'Will she behave at the ball?'

I blinked in surprise.

'The ball?'

'Yes I want to take her as my ‘partner’,' Ada giggled, an impish look in her eyes.

'Umm, I think so. Perhaps put her on a leash so she can’t wander off.'

Ada excitedly said, 'Oh, I have a whole outfit planned for her. She’s going to look beautiful.' She cooed at the dog, and I watched the two of them head off.

Time seemed to vanish as we rushed about to get dressed and make the final touches. As I checked myself over in the mirror, a heavy knock announced the men's arrival. Everyone froze for an instant and stared at one another, giggling like silly sixteen year olds. My anxiety vanished, replaced by super excited butterflies, and the others seemed to feel it too. Loi and Kassie hopped with excitement.

'Sssshh!' hissed Sian as she headed for the door and we assumed poised faces.

I could feel the hysteria rise in my chest as I focused on the door and not on Loi, who shook with suppressed laughter. The hilarity dissolved as we watched the men enter. They wore what must be their formal uniforms and looked amazing. I’m sure I just gaped at Alek for a good few minutes.

The uniforms were black, double breasted, collarless blazers and slim straight leg pants. Silver accentuated the black with three bands on either wrist, a stripe down each leg and on the front edge of their blazers. Even the row of buttons fastening the blazer were silver. A red epaulette on each shoulder and boots finished the look. Being the Royal member of the guard, Alek had a sash added to his uniform. Caught by the epaulette on his left shoulder it came across to his right hip and was red, with bands of color in the middle.

Alek smiled down at Cat, who hadn’t spoken a word for several minutes. She was beautiful. The green dress showed off her figure to perfection and the color looked stunning on her. He felt a sudden pang of nerves. It almost made him laugh, of all the things to make him nervous, it was this woman who stood before him.

The others chatted and made their way out of our room while Alek and I still stared at each other. I listened as their voices grew faint then arched an eyebrow at Alek and broke the silence.

'So?' I spun in front of him. 'Whatcha think?'

His dark blue eyes fastened on mine as he stepped closer.

'Beautiful. Indescribably so.'

I flushed in pleasure. He reached out and gently traced his fingers from my forehead to chin making me shiver. Then he tipped my chin up and ducked his head to mine. The kiss was intense and made my head swim. Feeling me sway, he tightened his arms around me, deepening the kiss.

Pulling away, he held Cat for a moment before setting her back on her feet. Then he led her to the long seat at her dresser and placed a jewelry case in front of her.

I stared blankly at the large, velvet case he’d set on the dresser surface.

'What’s this?'

He smiled.

'Open it.'

She gave him a look of concern and bit her lip. Then she reached, picking the case up and eased it open. Sucking a breath in, she gasped at its contents. Alek was thrilled. He’d seen several sets he thought she might like, but Sian had said this was the one. The look on Cat’s face told him she was right.

Unable to resist any longer he demanded, 'Do you like it?'

I tore my eyes away from the glittering stones in the case to find Alek regarding me. His expression read pride, hope and a teensy bit of doubt.

I got all teary and laughed.

'Yes, Yes. Alek,' I paused as I looked down at them again. 'They’re beautiful.'

He laughed with obvious relief and delight.

'Oh good. I was sure you’d like them.'

He reached out and lifted the necklace, draped it around my neck and fastened it. We both stared into the mirror and admired the effect. I slipped the earrings on.

I didn’t think I had ever seen anything like these pieces before, and I’d never owned anything like them. The most extravagant pieces of jewelry I owned were the beautiful gold leaf earrings I’d left on Earth, and the amber ring Elena gave me. But these pieces I wore.

Wow.
They took my breath away.

The necklace was crafted of, what looked like, blackened silver. It was made up of pieces that were shaped into twists, resembling leaves, and at the ‘mouth’ of each curved leaf a vibrant purple amethyst was set. The leaves gathered together to create a one inch wide band. At the front, more were gathered so it widened into an inverted triangle. From the tip of the triangle a large teardrop cabochon amethyst hung. The entire necklace glittered with amethysts. The earrings were each a twisted leaf shape, with an amethyst dangling from it.

I touched the necklace gently, feeling the edges of the leaves and the smooth, cool surfaces of the faceted stones. I really wanted to take it off so I could study it but knew we didn’t have time. Twisting around on the seat until I faced Alek, I knelt. Because he sat on the bench seat too, it meant that my collar bone was at his eye level.

'Do you like?' I purred, well aware that he’d be able to get a good view of my cleavage.

Really, what's the point of having it if you never make use of it?

Alek smothered the laughter he felt at Cat’s teasing. Instead, he placed a soft kiss on the white skin just above her breasts and smirked when she gasped.

'You know I do.'

Before he could chicken out, he pulled her back to sitting then spoke, 'Cat.'

He swallowed and tried again.

'Catherine, when we enter the ball together people will assume something. So I wanted to give you the option either way.'

She nodded at him, an expression of concern in her eyes.

'It’s just, well, you see, I’ve never entered an official reception with ah, a woman before, and…'

I stared at him, willing him to spit it out already. The nervous butterflies had returned tenfold and having Alek dither about what ever this issue was, made me feel ill.

'Alek. Please, what is the problem?'

'They’ll assume we’re betrothed.'

Cat’s eyes went wide.

'What? Who? And why?'

'Everyone. If we enter the ball together, it will be taken as an official announcement.'

She was silent, staring down at her hands.

So w
hat does that mean?

I didn’t really know what to say, this was a lot to be confronted with.

Or was it?

Thoughts pinged around my mind again as I considered that fateful night we cast the spell.

We asked for our soul mates. It would appear we’d found them. Yes, there was the risk we could be wrong, but was it worth it?

Breaking the silence I asked quietly, 'Do you not want to be betrothed to me?'

Alek gaped at me.

'What? No. I mean.'

He shook his head, then stood and looked down at me.

'I don’t want to force it on you, that’s why I’m explaining. If it isn’t a choice you can consider at the moment, I’ll understand and Yakov would be happy to lead you into the ball, which would be technically appropriate. But, Cat.' he paused, and then bent to one knee before me.

Both the voices in my mind shrieked in unison as I stared at him in shock.

'Catherine, I love you. I would be honored, beyond any measure, if you would agree to be my betrothed. From the moment I met you, I knew you were the one. I can’t apologize enough for the pain I caused you during that week. I was terrified that you might not be seeing me clearly. But, I don’t care now. Even if you decide later that I’m not the one, it will be worth it. Every moment with you is worth it.'

The silence was loud as he waited for her response. Her eyes were wide and her face white as she stared at him. Then her energy flushed out around her, a rich and vibrant red. She squeezed his hand as a tear trickled down either cheek.

'Alek,' her voice was hoarse and she paused to clear her throat.