Chapter 27

Lyra’s POV

Morning.

I woke to bright shafts of sunlight dancing across my pillow—and to the unmistakable buzz of activity all around my bed. Blinking blearily, I sat up and rubbed my eyes. What on earth was happening?

“Good morning, Mrs. Lyra,” chimed a cheerful voice. A red-haired woman hovered at the foot of the bed, a warm smile on her lips. “I’m Gigi, a fashion director. Alistair St. Claire invited me and my team to help you prepare for today’s tea party.”

I froze. Help? With getting dressed? Since when did I need a stylist to put on clothes? “Is that really necessary?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant, though my heart thumped. Surely I wasn’t so helpless that I needed an escort of fashion experts just to get ready.

Gigi’s smile never faltered. “I understand you’re not fond of the fuss of being dolled up, but your husband has already covered our fees. Trust me, we’ll make sure you look stunning.”

I closed my eyes, remembering the qui