Ember Read Free Page A

appeared in the bathroom archway wrapped in a cream robe I’d found hanging on the wall, Evette and Adelaide didn’t waste any time with my appearance. Their speedy little hands got to work. Evette focused on my hair while Adelaide began on my face.
    “It’s very important that you look perfect today,” Adelaide said, brushing some sort of soft bristles across my face. “This is a day you will remember for the rest of you life.”
    “How many Dawnings have you been to?” I asked.
    “Yours will be my third.” She smiled. “If you count Favner’s, but I don’t really like to do that,” she whispered.
    I smiled to let her know I understood. “So you were there for my grandfather’s?”
    Her eyes began to glisten as she nodded. “He was such a wonderful King. His Dawning was like no other. As soon as he took his vow as King, I swear there wasn’t a dry eye in the kingdom. We all knew he was our true King, and what a blessing it was to feel that kind of comfort.” She blinked rapidly to clear her tears as she concentrated on my face. “I’m sure you will understand after today.”
    I nodded because I, myself, was having a hard time keeping my emotions under control. I would never get to know the rest of my family because of Favner.
    They worked efficiently and swiftly. It couldn’t have been more than fifteen minutes when Evette said, “Done.”
    “Already?”
    “Your hair is very easy to work with,” Evette said thoughtfully. Easy enough to dry and fix in fifteen minutes?
    Adelaide emerged from the closet with a yellow gown. Flowing buttery fabric grazed the floor as she glided over to me.
    “Is that what I’m going to be wearing?”
    “Of course.” Evette beamed, her pale orange wings flickered behind her. “It was made specifically for you to match your wings.”
    “But, how did they know my size? What if it doesn’t fit?”
    “It will fit. I’m sure of it,” Adelaide assured.
    “How did they know the color of my wings?”
    “Kai told the weavers.” She smiled kindly. “He seemed to know exactly what you would want.”
    I had tried to keep thoughts of Kai at bay, but knowing he had a hand in helping to create my dress made me feel like I had a little part of him with me today. And it made me smile.
    Though it was strange letting others dress me, I let them put the dress on me anyway. Every time I tried doing something myself, it was as if they were offended that I thought I knew how to take care of myself.
    Adelaide led me over to a full-length mirror to show me the final product. I was no longer me . Whimsical. It was the best way to describe my appearance. I looked as if I just stepped out of a dream. Evette had pinned my curls, letting only delicate strands fall around my face. A string of white flowers ran below my bust, where the cotton-like material flowed down like a waterfall. My wings gently fluttered as if agreeing with my thoughts. It was amazing how perfectly the gown matched the color of my wings. They looked like they were one.
    “Don’t worry, Calliope.” Adelaide eyed Evette, applying extra emphasis on using my name. “It will all come together when the crown is placed on your head.”
    Did they think I was disappointed? On the contrary, I was speechless.
    “Thank you,” was all I could think to say.
    There was a soft knock at the door. We were silent for a few seconds when Adelaide and Evette looked to me expectantly. Right . This was my room.
    “Come in,” I called.
    The door creaked open, and Declan’s familiar face appeared around it. His presence filled me with a sense of relief I couldn’t explain. Finally, I felt some familiarity in this land so far from home.
    “Declan,” I nearly squealed. His mouth opened, and he straightened up in the doorway, filling it with his large stature.
    “My Queen.” He swallowed and blinked. “You look beautiful.”
    I couldn’t stop the blush. “Thanks, Declan.”
    He smiled gently, and calmly said, “They are ready