SERAPHINA
I smooth my hands over the burgundy silk of my gown, watching my reflection in the mirror with a critical eye. Three weeks of court dinners, and I still can't shake the feeling of being watched—not just by the hostile nobles, but by Kieran himself. His eyes track my every move, especially when Cassius is near.
The dress is beautiful—Mother packed well, but I wonder if it's too formal for a casual court dinner. Or not formal enough. I have no idea what the expectations are here.
"Stop fidgeting," Luna mutters. "You look fine."
"Fine isn't exactly what I'm going for." I adjust the neckline for the third time. "I need to look... I don't know. Like I belong here."
"We don't belong here. We never will."
She's not wrong, but that doesn't help my current situation.
The exhaustion
