"How do you feel?" Hazel asks, taking a step back to examine her handiwork.
"Good." I place a hand on my stomach and take a deep breath. Yes. I do feel good. "Beautiful."
"And I haven't even finished with you yet." She looks pleased with herself. "Please, sit." She indicates to the chair and I do as she asks.
Her hands run through my hair. "Is there anything you don't like for your hairstyles?" she asks. "I have a beautiful selection of combs you could..."
"No combs," I cut her off faster than is strictly polite.
"That's no problem. We can leave it loose instead."
She drops my hair, and bustles over to the items she has laid out on the bed, picking up what looks like an iron rod. I frown, not understanding what the contraption is.
"A curling iron," she explains as she sticks it in the fire to warm. "We'll set some bouncing curls in your hair. They'll look beautiful against your skin." She nods to herself, clearly satisfied with her choice.
"That sounds nice." And devoid of combs, which is something I like the sound of even more.
"We can do your makeup while they warm." She picks up some more items from the bed and brings them over to me, placing them on the dresser, before draping a scrap of fabric around my neck. I assume it's to keep my dress clean. "We're going to keep it simple though."
I'm not sure if her definition of simple and mine are the same, as she begins to brush and paste things on me. But I enjoy the feeling of being pampered and don't want it to go away. She hums as she works, but I say nothing, too worried I'll mess up what she's doing and end up looking like a clown.
"All done. Just your hair now."
"Thank you," I whisper. "I really appreciate all this help."
"You're welcome." She doesn't ask about any friends. or why there's no one else with me. Maybe there's a reason for that. She could have heard rumours about me.
She runs her hands through my hair, and it doesn't go unnoticed that she's not using a comb. Maybe she's taken my fear even more literally than I intended her to.
But I don't say anything. I long ago learned that it's better to be safe rather than sorry later. I don't want to fall into part of my prophecy because I got cocky.
The warmth radiates from the curling iron as she twists my hair around it, but she never gets close enough to my scalp for it to burn. A small part of me worries this will ruin my hair, but I push that away and take a sip of tea instead.
I should have ordered some small cakes or biscuits too, but the thought has come far too late for me to do anything about it.
The clock outside chimes quarter to eight. Edward will be here soon to take me to the ball.
"I'm done," Hazel says, stepping back and admiring her handiwork. "Are you ready to see yourself?"
I bite my lip. Am I? That's a good question, and one I'm not sure I know how to answer.
"Yes." The word slips out before I can overthink it.
She sets the curling iron down on the hearth and comes back, putting two hands firmly on the mirror. "Would you like me to count down?" she asks.
I shake my head. "Just do it." I want to see myself, but I also want this to be over with.
I stand up and smooth out my skirts. I don't need to, but it's a nervous habit I've picked up from somewhere and it helps me ready myself for whatever I find behind the blanket.
Hazel whips it away, and I stare into my reflection. I don't spend a lot of time looking at myself, it's hard to with my aversion to shiny surfaces, but even I can see the difference that Hazel's attention has made.
My cheeks are rosy, and my eyes bright, lined with a subtle hint of liner. She's left my lips natural though, which is a good thing. Any gloss or lipstick may just end up rubbed off with all the kisses I plan to share with Edward tonight.
The gown is perfect, and I can see what she means about the fabric beneath my breasts. It shimmers and floats, making it look as if snow is falling. And more importantly, like it's supposed to be like that. Best of all, it covers up how loose the bodice is beneath. No one will look at me and think about how weird my fashion choice is.
Maybe they don't anyway, and it's just my nerves getting the better of me.
My hair bounces, full of life given to it by the perfect set of the ringlets.
"Thank you," I whisper. But my eyes darken as the corners of the mirror begin to smoke. Terror is written all over my face.
Hazel moves quicker than her frail form should be able to, and covers the mirror with the blanket once more. Hiding both my reflection, and the encroaching evil magic.
"It's alright, dear. It can't get you." She hands me a cup of tea, which I take gladly.
"You're not scared of it," I observe. "Why?"
Hazel sighs. "I was part of a prophecy of my own when I was young. But there was nothing around like this place to keep me safe. I understand how it feels to be scared of the tragedy following you."
"Is that why you're helping me?" My voice is so quiet that even I almost can't hear it.
"Yes. I'd help any girl who came into my shop. But you most of all."
A knock sounds at the door, startling the two of us.
"That must be your prince," she observes. "Have fun at your ball. I'll see myself out."
"Thank you," I say again. "For your help today, and every other one."
"Of course, my dear. You know where to find me if you need me."
I smile and turn away from her, putting my attention firmly on the door and the prince beyond it.
Chapter Thirteen
"Aren't we supposed to go to the great hall for the ball?" I ask Edward. The night is still, and no one disturbs us here on the steps of the academy. We're barely ten feet from the main entrance, but it gives us a sense of privacy still.
"Yes. But I thought we'd have a moment together first, where no one can interrupt."
I breathe in the cold night air and relax against him. I can appreciate the thought of having a private moment for the two of us. Those will be few and far between once we're inside a room of dancing students.
"And I wanted to give you a present."
I perk up. A gift? I don't think I've ever had one from a boy before. At least, no one that didn't go through my parents first, and there's no real fun in those. I only get the ones they think it's politically astute for me to receive.
"You didn't have to get me anything." I don't want him to feel as if I'm only after things like this, but at the same time, I'm excited.
He hands me a small box. I almost fumble as I take it from him, but manage to keep myself calm enough to flip open the lid.
My eyes widen at the beautiful necklace sat inside it. Jewels twinkle from each arm of the snowflake. None of them are large or gaudy, like Edward has understood completely the kind of jewels I like. None of them are bigger than a grain of salt. But each is perfect, and I know even without proper lighting that they're worth a fortune.
"We don't often sell this gem," he tells me as he takes the box out of my hands and lifts the necklace out of it.
"I don't know why." They're stunning. None of them are a particular colour, but they all shine like Luna's coat. Which is probably why he's chosen them.
"We don't want to," he whispers, brushing my hair to the side so he can place the necklace around my neck. "Tradition says that the only people who don't come from my Kingdom who are allowed to wear them, are those who marry into it."
I still, the true meaning of his words sinking in. I reach up and touch the pendant.
Edward brushes my hair back into place. "Of course, I'm not asking for anything hasty. I know we've only just met. But in my heart, I know..."
"I know too," I cut him off. "And even if it is too early, I'd say yes."
I turn to him, but don't wait for him to say anything else. Instead, I press my lips against his. We melt into one another. I'm glad he chose this place to give me the gift instead of inside with all the others looking on. I'm sure none of them would understand the imp
ortance of the gems either.
But no one else matters. Tonight is about Edward. And me.
We break apart, both with dazed smiles on our faces.
"Should we check on Luna?" he asks.
"Please," I respond. I normally check on her between classes and dinner, but today I haven't had chance.
He rises to his feet and offers me his hand, helping me to mine. We walk hand in hand towards the stable with nothing but moonlight to guide our path.
For the first time in my life, I feel confident about my future. We may not have solved the problem of my prophecy, but I feel like we're one step closer to managing. I don't think I truly thought Grimm Academy would be part of the solution to my problem, but now I'm starting to realise why people talk so highly about this place.
The moment we enter the stables, Firefly swings his giant head in our direction.
I rush over, rubbing his nose swiftly, but more interested in the stall next to him. Luna is lying on the ground, something glittery streaming from her eyes.
"Tears," I whisper, horror driving through me at the sight. What have I done? My unicorn is crying.
I fling open the stall and almost collapse to the ground beside her, not paying any attention to how this may ruin my gown. The stall is clean, and even if it isn't, Edward is with me anyway. He's not going to judge me for getting straw caught on me.
"Luna, what's wrong?" I ask, even though she can't answer.
I stroke her neck and whisper soothing words to her.
"Here," Edward says, passing me a small vial. "I know you're worried she's sad, but you should still collect them."
I bite my lip, but nod and take it anyway. He's right. We don't know what we might need them for, and so long as I don't make her cry more, I think it's alright to do this.
I place the vial under her eye and watch it fill quickly.
Behind me, I can hear Edward flicking through the book, no doubt looking for whatever may have caused this.
"Is it a full moon tonight?" he asks me after a moment.
"I don't know," I admit, my voice coming out as a croak. "Why?" I don't understand what that has to do with anything.
"There's something in here. It says that unicorn foals sometimes cry on full moons. Something to do with their power being linked to it, and them not knowing how to properly process the surge in power."
"So, it's growing pains?" I smooth Luna's mane, hoping it comforts her. She shuffles into my touch.
"I think so. Here." He passes me the book.
I read the same couple of pages he just has, and give a loud sigh of relief. If this is to be believed, then this is to be expected, and Luna isn't in any kind of pain.
I stroke her until the tears stop, noticing that the vial in my hand is almost full. I pocket it, not wanting to leave something as valuable as this just lying around for anyone to take.
"Are you going to be alright, now?" I ask my unicorn. "I won't go if you need me."
Luna must hear us talking about her, because she gets up and moves around the stall, just like she normally does.
Edward places a soothing hand on my shoulder. "She'll be fine. Firefly will look after her."
"I guess that settles it, then." Especially with her acting like she wasn't just crying.
"Children always bounce back easily," Edward observes.
I chuckle. "I guess that's true. Shall we go to the ball?"
"Yes, but you might not want to go with this in your hair." He pulls out a long strand of straw and it sends me into fits of giggles. I don't know how it got there, but it amuses me that it did.
"I might start a new fashion trend if I do," I joke.
"I'll be disappointed if all the girls aren't sporting straw in their hair by the end of the week." He offers me the crook of his arm, and I take it gladly. I'm comforted by his presence, and it gives me the confidence I need not to care about what the world thinks about me.
We say our goodbyes to Luna and Firefly, and head back towards the castle, just as the clock strikes nine.
Chapter Fourteen
"Prince Edward and the Princess Snow," the announcer booms.
I roll my eyes. We're not in either of our home palaces, nor are we visiting with anyone. I don't see any need at all for our names to be announced like this. Everyone knows who we are, and more importantly, no one cares.
As if to prove my point, none of the other students even look our way as we enter. But that suits me just fine. I don't need to be the centre of their attention.
The sound of strings fills the air as the quartet plays a song I dimly recognise from the parties at home. It's not one I know a dance for, though.
"Would you like to dance?" Edward asks.
"Yes." I may not know the song, but I'll get to spend the time in his arms. I don't expect anyone to decide to try and talk to me anyway, but just in case, it's better if I have an excuse to avoid them.
Before we can start, the song ends and another begins to play. This one I recognise as a simple waltz, something I've been able to do for as long as I can remember. When I was too small to really be at the balls, Father would let me dance on his shoes.
Edward sweeps me into his arms, one at my waist, and one wrapped around mine. It's a proper hold, but there's something intimate about it. I can't imagine wanting to do this with anyone who wasn't him.
We spin around, the flashes of coloured dresses and the sound of talking and laughter fills all my senses. But none of it penetrates further. The only thing I see is Edward's face. The only thing I hear is the soft humming he does in time with the song. It seems I'm not the only one who knows this one, and he's making the most of it.
The song ends before I'm ready, but he doesn't make me let go. A slower song begins and he pulls me closer, swaying from side to side but not moving much.
"I don't know the dance to this one." I cut off the apology before it escapes me. I don't need to say sorry.
"Neither do I."
"Then what are you doing?" I ask, a light laugh escaping along with my question.
"Making it up so I can stay close to you. If I let go, one of the others might want to dance with you," he points out.
He turns me so I can see the group of boys surrounding Arthur. None of them have a girl with them, though every now and again, they swoop in one who is alone and ask her to dance.
"I'd say no," I admit. And not just because I have no interest in Arthur's cronies. Or anyone else, for that matter.
"You don't have to..."
"I want to, Edward." I lift one of my hands from his shoulder and touch my pendant with it. "There's only one person I want to be here with, and that's you."
A wide smile spreads over his face. "The holidays are coming up," he says suddenly.
I nod and glance away, unable to think about spending a few weeks away from him. I hope they'll let me take Luna with me, or the holidays will be completely unbearable.
"I was wondering if you'd like me to ask permission to visit you..." He rubs the back of his head.
I place my hand back on his shoulder. "I'd like that."
"I could ask your Father if he'll approve an engagement."
"I thought you didn't want to rush things," I tease, though even as I say it, I know my answer will be yes.
"I don't. But I also want him to know my intentions."
I think for a moment, thinking only of his handsome face and the way he makes me feel when he's around. "Yes." The word comes out stronger than I imagine possible. "Please come back to my kingdom with me and ask my Father if you can marry me." He can't doubt my words now.
"We can't until after we've graduated," he points out.
"I'm aware. But that doesn't mean we can't announce it to the world," I point out.
He chuckles, the sound vibrating through me thanks to our proximity. "I think the world already knows. You've been in my arms for three songs now."
I didn't even notice the song had changed again.
"I can ma
ke it even clearer." I reach up and cup his cheek in one hand.
He realises what I'm going to do and leans down, pressing his lips against mine and kissing me deeply.
I never thought I'd do something like this in front of so many people, but it feels right. And I need the kiss more than I need people not to talk.
We break apart, happy smiles on our faces. He twirls me under his arm and starts the next dance properly.
This dance is livelier than the last couple, it may even be one of the dances the poorer citizens of the kingdoms perform. But I know the steps, it's one of the ones they teach here.
I laugh as we kick and spin our way through the steps. There's even a part where we have to change partners, and I don't even mind it. Why should I when I know I'll be back in Edward's arms by the end of the song.
It's an odd sensation, letting go of my cares. My prophecy barely registers in my mind thanks to Hazel's dress and a lack of apples on the banquet table. I'm not sure if the academy is aware of the details of each individual prophecy, but I suspect so. Otherwise there's no reason for them to not have some of the common fruit here.
I'm breathing heavily by the time the song's finished. "Can we get a drink?" I ask Edward.
He nods and leads me over to the punch bowl, pouring two glasses and handing one to me.
I take a deep drink. It's surprisingly refreshing, and not what I expect from the pale pink colour. I finish my glass and take another, drinking that one down too.
"Princess Snow, right?" someone asks.
I turn to face them, finding Princess Briar stood in front of me with a boy just behind her, looking at her in a similar way to how Edward looks at me.
"Yes," I squeak, my nervousness setting back in. What does she want from me? Briar has never been the chatty type. From what I've seen, she's almost as much of a loner as I am. She did have a friend she spent a lot of time with at one point, but she just disappeared a few weeks ago and no one has seen her since.
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