Page 110 of Reaper’s Curse

Kira straightened and twisted in place, looking from the picnic group to her sister and back again. A bright smile and twinkling eyes dressed her expression.

I leaned close and dropped my voice low. “When can I see them?”

“Mom is on her way to deliver your dress straight to your room.” Kira linked her arm with her sister’s. “We’re going to help her.”

The two turned and dashed away.

“Odd children.” Lucas stared after them.

“Guess that’s why you never had any,” Neive retorted.

I ignored them and dug through the picnic basket. I gingerly grabbed a handful of sandwiches and uncurled to my feet. “Mind if I take these?”

The volley of words ceased as both servants turned their gazes on me.

Neive beamed. “Of course not.”

“Great. Catch you later.” I sauntered off, albeit much slower than the twins, toward my room before Lucas and Neive could stop me, attempt to accompany me…or ask any further questions.

I passed Valen on my way to the palace entrance, and my attention snagged on his―once again―too-straight nose. The nose his coreaper Chiara supposedly cracked with the blunt end of her travel scythe.

He gave me a curious smile.

Wonder how long he’s been watching?

I’d think on that later…along with the often-changing line of his nose.

Camilla’s little seer had drawn some pictures just for me. I needed to see those creations.

“What happened?” Kira asked.

Each twin lightly held one of my hands, turning them to study the bandages.

“Hurt myself, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I’m a quick healer.” I turned in a circle, taking in the dress Camilla had made from every available angle.

The gown was divine. Perfect, really. My only concern was mobility. How well would it fare when truly put to the test?

I’m going to a ball, I reminded myself. A glorified party inside the castle.

The Killian couldn’t come on the grounds, so I needn’t worry about any fighting breaking out.

“I know how you heal,” Kira replied.

Myla was Camilla’s little seer, and Kira was the healer. She had helped me recover from some grievous wounds, and in the process (based on her comment), she must have familiarized herself with my own healing abilities. I didn’t know how I felt about that.

I graced her with a soft smile, then turned my attention to Camilla. “I can’t imagine a more perfect gown with a more perfect fit.”

“I’m thrilled you like it.” Camilla trailed her fingers over the flowing skirt. “And we can get some satin gloves to cover your bandaged hands. That way, no one will be the wiser.”

She breathed in deeply through her nose and then relaxed, but something about the action appeared forced, and the narrow set of her eyes betrayed the image of peace I suspected she was trying to exhibit.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Fine. Fine.” Camilla turned her gaze away in a flutter of lashes and busied herself straightening the dress bag. “Winter is going to have trouble keeping his eyes in his head.” She dropped her voice to a mumble. “So much like his brother in that way.”

In what way? Do I even want to know?

“And Chace, Mom,” Kira interjected with a snicker. “Chace is going to go all doe-eyed.”