More clothing had been delivered while I was gone, and now three racks lined my walls, as well as multiple boxes from upscale designers I’d only heard of but never been able to afford. The wealth and opulence of this place blew my mind. I still had trouble wrapping my head around how much had changed in twenty-four hours. If only I could talk to Jenna. Maybe I could ask Faye about checking in with her tomorrow.
We weren’t supposed to have access to the outside world during the Contention due to the sensitive nature of everything. It must have been simpler to enforce that rule in the days before cell phones. What was I supposed to do all night? I’d also have to ask Faye if there was a library or something. If I had to sit alone in this room with nothing but my thoughts for company for weeks, I might go crazy.
I opened the clothing boxes, surprised to see luxurious lace lingerie in the first one. There had been no time for me to pack, so all I had was what had been delivered to my room. As I opened boxes, the garments became more and more exquisite.
Everything was beautiful, the height of luxury—even the workout clothes were designer brands—but it was too much for me. I was used to simple clothing. Would Faye think I was high maintenance if I requested other options than what had been provided? I’d already destroyed the black silk gown when I shifted. I’d hate to damage more things. Though with as much money as these people had to throw around, they probably wouldn’t even notice.
When I’d finished putting everything away into my drawers and wardrobe, I flopped onto the bed, completely exhausted and fully clothed… and that’s exactly how I woke up the next morning.
“Rise and shine, it’s makeup time.” A melodic voice drifted in through the haze of sleep, and I blinked my eyes, momentarily disoriented. Sunlight streamed through the open windows, shining onto a silk duvet cover.
“Good morning,” Faye singsonged, rolling in yet another cart of dresses. “I’m so excited for today.”
I sat up. “Morning already?” Confusion fogged my brain as I struggled to wake up. Yesterday felt like a dream. I’d slept so soundly that I could almost convince myself I’d imagined the craziness.
Being taken from my pack lands, the Contention, the challenge.Holden.
I groaned. “It wasn’t all a dream.”
Faye frowned. “What? Of course not. This is real life—and itisa dream, isn’t it?” She presented the clothing cart with a flourish and thumbed through the dresses, smiling brightly when she plucked out a tea-length dress and held it up. “How about this?”
“For lunch?” I sat up, wrinkling my nose at the green silk sheath. “Don’t you know the meaning of casual around here?”
“You can dress down for classes and training if you like.” The expression on her porcelain face made it clear she didn’t know why anyone would want to do such a thing. “But today is important. Holden will be dining with you in small groups. He will select one woman from each group to join him for a more intimate date this evening.”
An intimate date was the last thing I wanted, but if I planned to make it to the top ten, I’d have to suck it up and put on a good front.
“So you want to look your best.” Faye gave me a patient smile. “That’s where I come in.”
Another makeover. Fabulous. Was this how it was going to be here? I’d been joking when I called it a pageant, but that’s how it was starting to feel. It’s not that I didn’t like to look nice, and the pampering was something I could get used to. But being dressed up to parade in front of the man who killed my brother wasn’t what I thought I’d signed on for.
I reminded myself of my options. I just needed to make it halfway through the Contention to avoid returning to Branson. Which meant I needed to play along.Dress up it is.
“Wonderful,” I said, and Faye’s smile brightened.
“That’s the spirit. Now, if you don’t like this dress, how about this one?” She pulled out another green dress with a full skirt and way too much lace.
I might have to play this game for now, but I would at least do it on my terms. I stood from the bed and flipped through the dresses. “Why are they all green?”
She leaned over my shoulder and whispered, “I have it from a good source that Holden’s favorite color is green.”
I almost refused on principle. Top ten. That’s all I had to do.
Selecting a knee-length A-line dress cut from luxurious green fabric with a simple but classic sleeveless cut, I held it up to my body. I could still move, and it was comfortable. It would work.
“Beautiful choice.” Faye clasped her hands together. “Your stylist will be here any moment. Maybe she can give you an updo?”
I ran my fingers through my long waves. Updos weren’t my thing. “I’d prefer to leave it down if it’s all the same to you. And maybe a simpler look with the makeup? I get that I must look good if I want to catch Holden’s eye.” Just saying the words made my stomach twist. “But I also want to feel like myself.”
Faye gave me an indulgent smile. “We’ll see what we can do.”
* * *
I letKarena arrange a few thin braids in my hair, leaving the rest down like I was used to wearing it. Faye led me down a different hallway on the first floor. It appeared we were on the opposite side of the estate now, but the place was so huge I was still getting my bearings.
“Ah, here we are,” Faye said with a smile, pointing to a set of double doors. “Just check in with the luncheon hostess and she’ll give you your seating arrangement. Come find me afterward and let me know how it goes. Good luck—hopefully, you’ll be chosen for tonight’s date!”
I wasn’t counting on it—I hadn’t gone out of my way to make the best impression so far, and Holden knew I wasn’t here by choice. I walked into the room, about half the size of the dining room from last night and saw five tables with five chairs. Most of the women were already seated. I approached the hostess, a woman who looked just a few years older than me.