Alpha King’s Lost Luna by Aubrey Pepper novel Chapter 54

Chapter 54 Banquet

CA SSANDRA

I’d been apprehensive at the idea of attending the banquet that evening, but the king of Yurene had been insistent upon me joining them. I’d provided excuse after excuse, but they did me no good. The man was simply not taking no for an

answer.

So, I thanked him for the invitation and immediately headed back to my room to figure out what I would wear to such an occasion.

Back in Wild Crawler, I’d never attended banquets or fine events. Our lifestyle there was much more rugged and simple, so I didn’t have much in the way of fancy clothing.

Erika seemed surprised when I returned to my chambers and explained the situation to her.

“That’s wonderful that you were invited, Ca ssandra,” she said, and then her eyebrows creased together. “Hmm. I wonder what you will wear…”

“That’s my problem,” I replied, and a lump formed in my throat. “I don’t own anything acceptable enough to attend a banquet.“

Suddenly, the maid’s eyes glimmered and she flashed me an excited smile.

“Hold on,” she said mysteriously. “I have an idea.”

Before I could stop her, she’d snuck out of the room and disappeared for a while. When she returned, she had a dress bag in her hands.

“Let’s get you ready,” she announced.

We spent the rest of the evening primping and prepping me. Erika’s hands were steady and she managed to turn my hair from wild to sleek and shiny. She carefully

curled it so it fell in soft waves to my waist and then secured a section of it with a jeweled comb.

Once my hair was sorted, she helped me apply a touch of makeup. I was a little terrified at first, but Erika was very talented. She lined my eyes lightly with eyeliner and applied a rich black mascara that made my lashes long and lustrous. She also added a touch of cre amy blush that brought color back to my cheeks and a touch of pearlescent shimmer to my eyelids.

The maid finished off the look with a soft lipstick that didn’t make me feel too foolish, and when she held the mirror to my face, a gasp escaped me.

She’d enhanced my natural beauty in a way I hadn’t expected, and for the first. time in a long time, I felt lovely.

After that, she led me over to the dress bag and unzipped it to reveal a dress. that made my heart stop. I recognized it immediately.

“This dress belonged to Cora,” Erika revealed with a small, sad smile. “I held on to a few of her belongings after she died. This was one of them.”

I had to fight back tears.

“I think Cora would be happy if she knew you were wearing it,” she continued on, and she forced back a sniffle. “I think the two of you would have been fine friends.”

“Thank you,” I managed, and I choked back a s ob.

The dress was the same one I’d worn to the ball where I’d found out Asher was my true mate.

It was a beautiful thing, a pale silver with a beaded bodice and a flowing skirt that cascaded to the floor like moonlight. It was completely gorgeous, but seeing it filled me with sadness. It was yet another remnant of the life I’d lost.

But Erika didn’t know that, and she sure wasn’t about to find out now. So, I thanked her and swept her into a hug.

Soon after, she helped me into the dress, and I found it to be more snug than I remembered. I had to keep in mind that I’d had Finnick between then and now and I wasn’t quite the same shape as before. It was a little uncomfortable, but not too much, so I simply bore it.

“You look great,” Erika gushed once the dress was zipped and I’d spun around. “Now, let’s get you to the banquet hall. I’ll keep an eye on Finnick for you this evening, so don’t worry about being out too late.”

“Thank you,” I said. “Seriously, Erika. This means a lot.”

Erika simply smiled. “Of course, Ca ssandra.”

Without another moment’s hesitation, I left the room and made my way down the bustling hall. I wasn’t sure where the banquet was being held so I decided to follow the crowd of people down the stairs. As we descended, I realized where we were going, and my stomach twisted.