And yet, her eyes were changing her life.
When Spencer returned, it was with a beautiful, purple dress that took her breath away. It had long sleeves and a full-length skirt that came with layers of tulle underneath it. She could tell by the touch of the fabric that it was more expensive than anything she had ever owned.
“Oh my,” she said, taking it. “Thank you. This is beautiful. Although, these sleeves...”
Normally, a dress with a full skirt would be sleeveless. He cleared his throat as she fingered them. “The women here are more conservative than on Earth,” he said.
“Old fashioned,” she said, and he shook his head.
“It's more about equality. Women are equal to men here in all respects. When Peter was king and he had no wife, it was Ariel by default. The queen owns fifty percent of the kingdom and has equal opinion on all matters. The women do not use any tactics of beauty here; it's unnecessary. Beauty comes in the mind and in the smile.”
“That's what my parents taught me,” she said. “I was just thinking about that.”
“That and dragon women are stunning, always,” he said, stepping closer to her. “Almost as stunning as you.”
“Mmm,” she relaxed in his arms. “Did you want to help me dress?”
She thought that she was teasing him, but he looked away, stepping back.
“One day, my love. One day. But for now, I'd rather wait to perverse your modesty.”
“My reputation,” she said. “It's clashing values, don't you think?”
“No,” he said, looking up. “I respect you for so much more than what your body can offer. When we are married, we will enjoy all of those pleasures, and it will be worth the wait.”
“All right,” she smiled, accepting this reason. It was refreshing compared to Earth views, and she found that she enjoyed it. Perhaps it was her upbringing, or perhaps it was just happiness at a change of pace. Either way, she was grateful. “Thank you.”
“Get changed, and I'll be waiting outside,” he said. “I will escort you to the dining room, where you meet the rest of the royal family.”
“But no pressure,” she replied, turning back to the mirror and holding the dress up to her neck. “I'll see you in a moment.”
“Do you need me to send in a maid to assist you?”
“No, I've got it.” She smiled at him in the mirror. “I've been dressing myself for quite a while. I'll figure it out.”
“As you wish.” He bowed his head and left.
As soon as he was gone, she stripped down, stepping into the dress.
It proved harder than she thought. There weren't any zippers; it was all ties and buttons. She sucked in her small stomach, spinning the dress around to button up the front before turning it around to the back and struggling into the sleeves. She felt the sweat drip down her back and briefly considered getting the maid. But she told herself that she was a strong, independent woman, and she could dress herself.
It took nearly half an hour before she felt like she looked presentable. She ended up braiding her hair and putting it behind her neck, leaving a few twists hanging down. She didn't usually wear makeup, and so she simply scrubbed her face, hoping she didn't look too tired. She pinched her cheeks and smiled at herself in the mirror, forcing energy into her eyes. Spencer was probably wondering if she died, but she couldn't possibly go to dinner with royals looking like she had just run the track at school.
She had never pictured herself having dinner with princes in any version of her life. This was just as novel as being transported here.
In the mirror, her reflection showed a mature young lady. With a high collar and long sleeves, she felt like a proper adult, her hair dripping down and her eyes sparkling. She was so used to jeans and polos, vintage dresses with cutouts, and black eye liner. The woman that stared back at her made her look twice at herself.
Maybe she could do this after all.
She finally stepped into the hallway where Spencer was leaning against the wall.
“Sorry,” she said. “The dress and I got into a fight.”
“It was worth the wait,” he assured her, looking her up and down. “You look wonderful.”
“You clean up nice, too,” she said, noticing that he had changed into a dark suit. It didn't look quite right for Earth, but within these beautiful halls, it was perfect. She almost lost her breath at how handsome he was with his yellow eyes and strong jaw. He held his arm, and she took it, drifting down the hall.
“Are there any tables manners I should know about?” she asked. “That are different from Earth?”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “No. The only thing that may be different is that no one eats until the king does.”
“Whose name is Peter,” she remembered. “I can do that.”
“Then you'll be perfect,” he laid a kiss on her head as they approached the banquet halls. The doors were several feet high and intricately carved. Two guards pulled it open, and Katianna resisted gasping again.
It was even more beautiful than what she had seen, if that was possible.
There was a long banquet table, with only a few place settings put out. The table cloth was ivory white, and the plates were crystal with the same gold as the hallways painted around the edge. The cutlery looked to be made of pure white gold, and the glasses at the place settings were majestic tumblers.
“Oh my,” Katianna said, taking it all in. “I'm almost afraid to eat dinner here. I might ruin something.”
“This is a dragon table,” Spencer assured her. “It's seen worse than a human dropping food, I promise.”
“That's a boost for my confidence,” she said, and smiled at him.
“Spencer.” She spun around as a voice spoke. She recognized Nicholas from the pictures, his wife Rosa on his arm. “Oh, my goodness,” Nicholas' mouth fell open as Katianna met his eyes. “You weren't joking.”
“My lord,” Spencer tipped his head. Katianna followed his lead and gave a small curtsey. Rosa was beautiful, clearly a princess, with a tiara woven into her brown hair, and several heavy rings on her fingers. “May I introduce Katianna, my once and future wife.”
“I'm Rosa,” the witch-girl said with a smile. “Welcome to Umora. Again, as I understand.”
“I'm trying to remember,” Katianna gave her a pained smile. “Have we met before, too?”
“No,” Rosa said, smiling at her husband. “We are recently married, although I did hear about you once.”
“I told you when she died,” Nicholas said. “Spencer was torn up.”
“That I was,” Spencer replied.
“But don't be sad anymore.” Cole entered with Enya on his arm. “She's here. And my brothers will be here shortly.”
“Oh, the dress looks perfect on you,” Enya went right to Katianna, holding out her hands. Katianna was warmed by her friendliness and smiled.
“Thank you for lending it to me,” she said.
“Nonsense,” Enya replied. “The first time I came to Umora, I had nothing to wear as well.”
“Neither did I,” Rosa pointed out. “I had just given birth hours before.”
Katianna turned to Rosa. “You win this round,” she said.
Rosa smiled. “Turns out it was worth it,” she said. “Motherhood does bring on a hunger. Shall we sit at least?”
She led the way to the table, the men pulling out the chairs for the ladies. Katianna was even afraid to sit on the chairs, for they were so beautiful.
But she only had the chance to sit for a moment before trumpets blared, and everyone's head turned to the door.
Spencer rose right away, and she followed suit, looking confused.
“The king,” he said, and Katianna felt her heart leap.
What a day this was turning out to be, she thought, as the majestic doors opened.
Chapter 7
Peter was clearly a king; there were no two ways about it. Tall and majestic, a crown on his head, and his eyes blazing; he looked like he cont
rolled everything with the twist of his finger. His eyes blazed, and his jaw was strong and set, looking to the table as if he were calculating his next move. He was certainly the most serious of the princes.
On his arm, his wife was the opposite. Draped in light linen, her dress the color of clouds, Yvette was small and thin. She was nearly a foot shorter than him and much younger. She was smiling, though, despite the weight of her heavy crown, and her stick-thin arm was locked in his head.
Everyone bowed or curtsied, and Katianna knocked her knee against the table trying to do the same.
Behind him was the final brother, his Irish twin, she understood, and the former king.
Alexander was slightly shorter than Peter, and Katianna was surprised to see he looked older. His face was grey and drawn, and his temples showed salt and pepper against the dark hair. His chest rose and fell with more effort than the others, and his teeth were half clenched.
Beside him, Ariel was clearly the most beautiful woman in the room. Katianna felt like a child playing dress up beside the tall red head. She wore a green dress that was cut in the front, nearly dipping to her naval. Her long, red hair fell in waves nearly to her waist, and she wore a crown as majestic as Yvette, her fingers and neck dazzling in jewels. She looked more of a queen than the actual queen, standing shoulder to shoulder with her husband in flat shoes.
The others dipped to a bow appropriate to the current Regents, and the men pulled out the chairs for their wives.
To Katianna's delight, Ariel was seated beside her. She turned to the redhead with a friendly smile.
“I'm Katianna. I've seen your dancing. You are amazing!”
Ariel turned to her as if seeing her for the first time. “Thanks,” she said, looking her up and down. “You must be Katianna. We've been briefed.”
“Briefed?” Katianna asked.
“On the…unique situation that Spencer claims is happening,” Alexander spoke up, clearing his throat. The servants advanced forward, placing warm platters on the table.
“How are you, my lord?” Spencer asked, trying to change the subject.
“I am well, thank you, Spencer,” Alexander said. “It is nice to see you again. Thank you for returning.”
“Of course, my lord,” Spencer replied, keeping his head bent as he was served.
“He doesn't look well,” Katianna lowered her voice, whispering to Spencer. He caught her eye, shaking his head, and she understood to ask about it later.
“Do you have any sightings to report, Spencer?” Peter spoke up. Katianna had her utensils in her hand, her mouth salivating at the meat that was placed in front of her. She hadn't realized that she was hungry until this moment.
“Of King Richard?” Spencer asked. “No. It was my understanding that he was killed.”
“He was,” Peter said. “We just like to check. You spent many years on Earth.”
“I spent many years everywhere,” Spencer corrected him. “But I assure you, since the report came that he perished here, I have heard and seen nothing.”
“Unless he's been reincarnated,” Cole said, smirking. Spencer's head shot up, his eyes narrowing.
“It's possible,” Spencer said, coolly.
“And it's possibly I could figure out how to transform into a wolf,” Cole replied. “Magic works in mysterious ways.”
Katianna felt the feeling of dread in her stomach again. She waited until everyone was deep in conversation before she spoke softly to Spencer once more.
“He doesn't believe us,” she said.
Spencer sighed. “Cole is just snarky,” he said. “He hasn't had a chance to look into anything yet, so he's living inside his own box. Don't worry, my love, he will find an answer.”
“And if he doesn't?” Katianna asked.
Spencer raised his eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
“I just mean, if he doesn't find evidence that reincarnation exists?”
“My love,” he looked right into her eyes, “you know in your heart that this is real, don't you?”
“I…” she couldn't deny it when he was looking right into her eyes and sending shivers up and down her spine. “Yes, I know it's real.”
“Good,” he said, leaning over to kiss her. “Then that's all we need in the end. But Cole will find an answer. Once he removes his head from his–”
“Spencer,” Katianna exclaimed, with a laugh. It drew attention back to them, and she covered her mouth with her hand. “Sorry,” she said.
“Share the joke, please,” Peter said, looking right at her. Her eyes widened.
“Oh no, it was just something funny that happened on Earth,” she said. Peter raised an eyebrow.
“Which was? Don't be afraid. You are among friends here.”
“Which was....me...falling into the mud on my first date with Spencer.” It was a lie, but it was the only thing she could think of. “So embarrassing”
“Oh my,” Enya saved her. “That would be awkward. Clearly, though, Spencer was not too bothered by it.”
“I did laugh,” Spencer got into the story. “Only for a moment.”
“What would you do if I fell in the mud?” Enya turned to Cole, cocking an eyebrow.
“Ask you to stay down there so I could snap a picture, and then help you up?” Cole smirked and she laughed, shaking her head.
Luckily for both of them, the conversation topic turned, and Katianna let out a sigh of relief.
Dinner was finished soon enough, and everyone rose to retire to the library for drinks and general socializing. Katianna felt like she was in the sixteenth century with all these formalities.
She noted that Ariel rose first, reaching her hand out. Alexander took it, and his wife's arm flexed to support him as they headed into the library.
“What's wrong with him?” she asked. Spencer's eyes flicked upwards to make sure that they were far enough away, and then spoke.
“The relationship between supernatural beings and carapaces has always been odd. Sometimes, they were allies, but mostly they were hunted. When Ariel married Alexander, there was many carapaces who didn't like it. Prolonged exposure to them, especially in the numbers they brought, was damaging. He will never recover.”
“Yet, they continue to be together?”
“Alexander argues that one carapace, even the queen, isn't damaging. He just can't be on Earth where the rest of them are.”
“She's the queen of carapaces?” Katianna replied. “Wow. I understand what you mean for a marriage of convenience, but it's not that way now.”
“What do you mean?” Spencer asked, confused.
Katianna smiled.
“They love each other, isn't that clear?”
“I…” he looked between them and back to Katianna. “I don't know. It's always been accepted that they were what you call a powerful couple.”
“Spencer,” she said softly, “can't you see love when it's looking you in the eye?
He smiled down at her, kissing the top of her head. “Of course, I can,” he said. “I see it every time I look at you.”
She squeezed his hand as they settled into the library. It seemed an odd way to spend an evening – among princes of Dragons. And yet, somehow, it seemed natural.
It was only half an hour of quiet conversation before the day hit her. She yawned loudly, and then covered her mouth, blushing.
“Oh my goodness, I'm sorry.”
Spencer laughed, rising. “Come, my dear. I shall escort you to your room. It's been a long day for both of us.”
“Thank you for everything today,” she said to the others, dipping low. “It was…wonderful?”
Alexander smiled briefly. “Goodnight,” he said, dipping his head. “It was an honor to have your company, Katianna.”
It was only once she was gone that Cole spoke up.
“You don't really believe that's Katianna, do you?” he asked his brother.
Alexander's eyes flickered to his youngest brother. “And what is your opinion, Cole? Alt
hough I'm quite sure I can guess it.”
“That's not the same girl,” Cole said, firmly. “Reincarnation is just not something that happens.”
“Are you sure?” Rosa spoke up, meeting his witch eyes. “You didn't think the Dolcetti line could be revived. You didn't know what magic you were holding until you were told. I'm not questioning your ability, Cole, my dearest brother. I'm saying that we learn new things all the time.”
“No, you don't.” Cole glanced at Enya.
“What?” Enya asked, a sinking feeling in her chest.
“The last time Spencer brought Katianna around here, I…she and I…”
“Sorry, you did what?” Nicholas smirked, from his place by the fire. “Did you steal her virtue, Cole?”
“I did not,” Cole replied. “But I may have kissed her. More than once. She may have run because she was avoiding me. I don't think Spencer knows, but she chose to go back to Earth, likely to stay faithful to him.”
Her husband's romance before they met didn't bother Enya. But she was still put out by his lack of respect for an existing relationship.
“Were you in love with her?” Enya asked, and Cole laughed.
“No, it was just a thing. How do you say it? A fling. It meant nothing to me, but I get the feeling it meant everything to her. I know her, and that isn't her.”
“Cole,” Alexander put his palm to his eyes, sighing. “Thank God you finally got married before you bothered the whole kingdom.”
“If she's got magic to reincarnate,” Ariel said, “I could possibly feel the same thing from an old corpse of hers? If she doesn't just vanish?”
“Do you feel magic on her at all?” Alexander turned to his wife, and she shook her head, sliding into his lap.
“Nada. But there's so many of you around. Maybe I'll make nice and get her alone.”
“My concern,” Peter said, speaking up for the first time, “is that if he is right, and some people do have the ability to do this, what if Father does as well?”
Evander (Stratham Shifters Book 4) Page 49