For the first time in weeks, Strelitzia was in her room. Albeit only to get ready for the ball, but it still made her skin crawl. The room felt less empty and lonesome with Cleo hustling about trying to make her presentable. She'd already been given a bath where every inch of her had been scrubbed clean. The handmaiden had even added perfumed oil to the water. Probably because Strelitzia smelled like old books from all of that time in the library.
She was sure the ball wasn't a good idea. But she would at least be able to see James. Even if it was for a moment. Maybe she was some love sick puppy. He'd humiliated and rejected her in front of not only the king but the council. She shook the thoughts from her head. The sacrifice she made to Garvet would not be in vain.
"Are you sure I should go? I don't think there's much purpose in me attending." Her eyes sought Cleo's in the mirror's reflection.
