Her hair was arranged in soft curls pinned to the back of her neck.

But threaded through it at her forehead was her Nadirii band.

At her side, and holding her hand, was Domitia.

And trailing her was Cornelia.

They, too, had donned gowns much different than the garments they normally wore. More Dellish, but not quite. Although diaphanous, they were not flimsy.

Instead of artlessness, for Cornelia, there was a sophistication.

Though, Domitia’s had an air of innocence.

Neither of them wore the harsh paint of Airenzian upperclass women.

Though they were painted, just far more subtly.

As, he saw, was his warrior.

And yes.

His future wife was most clever.

Jazz and Hera followed, as did Hera’s lover, Rosehana.

They wore their Nadirii tunics, battle-ready.

Also battle-ready were Mac, Ian, Rus, Tone and Nero.

“Mac, you’ll be on the dais on Cass’s left side. I will be on his right. Jazz and Hera will be beside and behind me,” she went on to command. “Nero guarding Gallienus. Ian and Antonius, I want you behind the settee where Domitia and Cornelia will sit. Rose and Severus will be at the back, keeping an eye from there. I will also ask you both to patrol but not appear as if you’re patrolling. Just keep your eye on things.”

She (and Domitia) had come to stand beside Cassius.

“What are you wearing?” he asked.

She tipped her head to look up at him.

“A gown,” she answered.

“Why are you not in your Nadirii gear?” he inquired.

“Because I am the future queen of this realm and the people of this realm need to look upon me as conventional and approachable, something they will not consider me if I have a sword at my back, a dagger at my belt, and my quiver at the ready. If I appear like that, I will seem to be hostile, which I am not. Except to your father.” She pressed her arse back a bit as she lifted a filmy layer of her skirts out to the side, gazing down at it, and finished, “And I quite like this gown.”

He quite liked it too.

Quite.

Even so…

“Elena,” he called.

She righted herself and again gave him her gaze.

“I think, my princess, you should be you,” he advised.

“I am me,” she returned. “Just wearing a gown.”

“Elena—”

“There has been much change expected of all citizens of Airen since your return, Cassius. And many may think this is because of me. Therefore, it would be wise if they see a change in me as well. They need to understand the balance we will have, something they too will enjoy.”

He could say no more for she was not wrong.

His attention turned to Domitia, who was still standing at Elena’s side, holding her hand.

“You are ready for this, Domitia?” he asked quietly.

She started when her name was said, and she looked at him.

She then nodded unconvincingly.

“I will ask you to say your words and then Ian will escort you from the room.” He included Cornelia in his gaze. “The both of you.”