Book 2: Very First Party

Estrella

Tess stands behind me, pinning back sections of my hair in the setting sun. “I wish we’d been here longer already. I don’t know any of their styles.”

I frown at myself in the mirror. “I don’t want their styles. I want ours.”

“Isn’t the point of this cultural exchange—” She catches sight of my expression and stops. “To show off the abilities of Sundrop Gem. Would you like braids?”

“Do we have enough time?” I look out the window of the chamber King Kieran gave me. It has a view over that wonderful forest of theirs, outlined bright orange as the sun sinks below it. We should’ve started this hours ago, but Tess and I have quickly learned that getting ready to get ready is just as much fun. My skin is silken after a perfumed bath, and every line on my complexion seems to have disappeared. Until the actual getting ready began, I was having a wonderful time.

But now, I can’t forget what we’re getting ready for.

“I think we will.