The maid before me finishes washing me and steps away. I let out a breath of relief to have her cold hands and even cold water attacking me. But I frown when she appears with a new dress before me. Gone is the simple grey dresses we’ve been left with since arriving here. Even as the maid unfolds this new garment, I can tell it’s expensive. Heavy material with gold thread woven into it makes up the skirt with a lighter corset that I’m sure will cling to me.
“What is this?” I ask her.
Her brown eyes widen as she stares at me. When she makes no reply, I’m curious if she even can. It would not surprise me to find the Grey Prince so cruel as to ensure those working for him have no freedoms. Speech is dangerous. I can only hope it’s her surprise at my question that keeps her quiet and not that the prince having taken her tongue.
“Rose,” Lyra hisses, a warning in her voice.
I take in the deep blue dress that clings to her frame. Her cleavage heaves as she glances at me, threatening to spill should she move too fast. The dress is gorgeous. But wrong on so many levels. It's stolen away her innocence, and I hate that. Seeing her, I get the sense that she’s exactly what the Grey Prince wants.
“Don’t give them a reason to punish you,” Lyra gently begs. “Not today.”
Closing my eyes, I think of Sophia’s ruined body. No, I can’t just yet give them a reason to finish me as they did her. I need to be next to Lyra. I’m still working out a way to keep the prince away from my friend. Ms. Thompson might threaten us with becoming Unchosen, but that just might be what I need to escape from here.
“Fine,” I finally tell the maid.
She nods, relief in her eyes as I open mine. Her cold fingers are quick to pull the dress over me. The dark green against my pale skin gives me pause. It’s the finest thing I’ve ever worn or even seen. As the maid pulls the corset tight, putting my curves and femininity on full display, I can’t help running my fingers over the fabric. It might not hide me from the wolves, but I can’t help loving the feel of the soft fabric against my skin. For just a moment, I let myself forget where I am.
“You look stunning,” Lyra says.
The maid finishes with the corset and moves to styling my hair. I offer Lyra a smile. With her blond hair half pulled back into an elegant, braided bun, the rest runs free over her narrow shoulders. Her wide eyes sparkle as she takes me in. If I look half as amazing as her, I’d be fortunate.
“You are breathtaking,” I tell her.
Her cheeks pinken at the thought. She looks all too pleased with herself for a moment. Until Ms. Thompson clears her throat, reminding us of why we’re dressed in such finery. Immediately we both sober, our smiles slipping in unison as Ms. Thompson’s sharp gaze moves over us.
“Acceptable,” she tells our maids with a brisk nod. Then her eyes land on me. “Let me remind you, girl. There are far worse things that the wolves can do to us than kill us.”
Her threat is meaningless. I already know, far too well, that there are worse things the wolves can do to us. My mind has filled all the gaps for me when it comes to Sophia’s final moments. I will never forget her soft laughter or the way her widen eyes had filled with fear when the guards had come for her.
“I understand,” I tell Ms. Thompson.
She stares at me for a long moment before nodding. I want to know if she’s aware of what her prince does. Of what happens to the women, she looks over. I’m sure she does and just doesn’t care. My stomach twists at the thought as I direct my rage toward her retreating form. Thoughts of burning this castle to the ground fill my mind as the maids disappear.
“Rose?”
Blinking away my rage, I meet Lyra’s eyes. She’s frowning as she watches me. I’m sure that my face was twisted as my horrible thoughts filled my head. I reach out a hand, clasping hers in mine, and squeeze. It’s as much to remind her that she’s not facing this alone as it is for me. I’ve never had someone to stand next to me before. Being alone was always better on the streets. It was easier to just look out for myself. But as Lyra squeezes my hand, I wonder if maybe I’ve been wrong for so many years. Having her as my friend would’ve given me a bright spot in my life.
“We will survive,” I promise her.
She smiles. “I know. You’re too strong for a silly prince to destroy.”
I hate how right I want her words to be. Even if they feel too far from the truth right now. The prince has yet to sink his claws into me, yet I feel too raw. As though I’ve already faced off against him. He took Sophia and countless others from this world. He’s forced apart families and friends. Why? I wish I knew what drove him to be so heartless.
“Let us hope we are Unchosen,” Lyra says.
We both know that won’t be the case. There’s a very good chance that all it’ll take is one glance from the prince. Seeing her looking like a goddess will surely be enough to doom her to her early death. I’m a different story, though. I’m older and wear my scars with pride. I will not be easily broken by any man, human, or wolf. There’s not a doubt in my mind that I’ll soon learn how terrible being Unchosen really is.
“I’m glad that I have you,” I tell her.
Before she can reply, the doors to the hall open again. A sea of guards appears, and I realize the time has come. Lyra reaches for my hand, and I give it a squeeze. Ms. Thompson’s eyes roam over the line of us before she nods.
“You are to stay with the guards,” she informs us. “Do not test their patience. You will find it lacking.”
With that, she turned on her heel and left. Quiet filled the room at her words, the women glancing at another. I keep my spine straight and my eyes from settling on the guards. That doesn’t keep me from noting the golden-eyed guard from the other night. Next to him stands the guard that caught me watching the Grey Prince torture that woman. I note that they stand to the side of the other guards. A third guard with wild dark hair and a smirk stands with them.
“Don’t step out of line,” a large redheaded guard orders before motioning for us to follow.
Lyra shoots me a wide-eyed glance. I try to give her a reassuring smile, but I’m sure it’s a little too forced. I knew this day was coming, yet I didn’t expect to still be here. Staying was a mistake, one that I’m sure I’m about to pay for. I thought I had more time to convince Lyra to slip away with me.