Fragile Longing

“Something else?”

Dad chuckled. “Well, it takes some getting used to.”

Mom touched my shoulder. “You look like a French runway model, sweetheart. Don’t expect men to understand that.”

I laughed.

“Does Danilo know?” Samuel asked.

I pursed my lips. “I didn’t think he’d be interested in my hairstyle.”

Samuel gave me a look. He’d probably gathered that Danilo’s pissed-off state the previous day had been caused by my blonde hair.I barely slept that night, too excited about my engagement party and Danilo’s reaction to my haircut. I had a feeling he’d loathe it, especially because I defied him. While part of me still wanted to please him, my angry and frustrated side had won out.

A fact that pleased Anna immensely judging by her grin. “Your mom’s right. You look French and sophisticated, but also cute. The look would be perfect if you’d start smoking those long, stylish cigarettes.”

I snorted. “No, thank you. I don’t think a fashion statement is worth risking my health.”

Anna rolled her eyes. “I didn’t ask you to become a chain smoker. But sometimes a smoke can be a nice touch.”

“No, thank you.” I’d very rarely smelled smoke on Anna, but I’d never actually seen her smoke.

Anna helped me put my makeup on because my hands shook too much for an accurate eyelid line. I didn’t want to overdo it and end up looking like an Egyptian princess. People would be talking about my recent hair change anyway. I didn’t want to give them additional ammunition against me. When they looked at me, I wanted them to be slack-jawed.

Once my makeup was done, Anna helped me style my hair with a straightening iron, especially my bangs since my natural curls caused some havoc. I’d chosen a rose-colored combination of a strapless bodice and a tulle skirt that flowed down to my knees like an elegant petticoat. I loved the dress and felt stunning in it, and I had to admit it looked great with my shorter hair because it accentuated my collarbones and throat.

Anna grinned when I turned around to give her a full view of my dress and the fluttering skirt.

“You look like a princess. If Danilo’s jaw doesn’t drop in awe, that’s his problem.”

I kissed her cheek. “Thank you.”

Anna slanted a look at her watch, her eyes growing wide. “Okay, time to make myself presentable.” She slipped out and I stepped up to the mirror.

I carefully touched my hair. I didn’t look like Fina anymore, and yet not like myself, either. I was caught somewhere in between, still adrift, trying to find my way back to myself. The blonde would have to go eventually.

A knock made me jump.

“Come in,” I said.

Dad stepped inside and froze when he spotted me. He shook his head as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “When did you grow up into a beautiful woman? Didn’t I tell you to stay my little girl forever?”

I laughed. “Maybe you should have locked me into a tower.”

He came over and pulled me into a hug. I took a deep breath, trying to catch a whiff of smoke. Dad had been smoking on and off since Fina’s kidnapping. He kept trying to quit but it usually never lasted longer than a few months.

“Maybe.” He pulled back, but wistfulness lingered in his gaze.

“Still two years,” I reminded him.

He touched my cheek. “I know. Now, we should really go downstairs. The first guests have arrived, and your mom is keeping them entertained with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.”

We linked arms and headed downstairs. The soft hum of conversation drifted out of our living area. It was a big space, a combination of dining and living room. The catering staff had removed most of the furniture from the room and pushed the rest to the side to make room for high tables and a buffet. Beautiful flower arrangements in pale rose and bold pink matching my dress decorated the tables.

The moment Dad and I entered the room, a hush fell over the crowd and their eyes focused on me. Mom gave me a proud smile from across the room, which made me lift my head a bit higher. She’d taught me to show strength and elegance in public, and I wanted to do just that.

Still, some of my poise wavered when my gaze landed on Danilo. He stood beside his cousin Marco, his mother, and Emma. The latter gave me the encouraging smile that I needed before I met Danilo’s eyes again. His expression was unreadable, despite his polite smile. It was the standard gentleman mask he displayed in public, but deep in his eyes I caught the hint of disapproval, maybe even anger and shock. He hadn’t expected me to defy him.

Dad squeezed my arm as he led me toward Danilo. The only one who looked less than happy about the events was Samuel. He was glaring daggers at my soon-to-be fiancé. Whatever went on between those two wasn’t my business.