Gwen laid her hand on Isabelle’s shoulder while Anna placed beautiful strapped sandals, fashioned with a delicate heel, on her feet. The thin leather straps were covered with gold chiffon. They were actually quite saucy, Gwen thought as she looked at them.

“Well, do I pass?” Gwen asked, biting her lip. They had stepped back to admire their work and were smiling from ear to ear.

“Aye,” they exclaimed together, obviously thrilled with the result.

“Come, Gwendolyn, we’ll go to my chamber so you may see for yourself,” Lady Madelyn offered, taking Gwen’s hand.

They walked hand in hand and didn’t stop until they were in front of the full-length mirror in the corner of the room. Isabelle and Lady Madelyn watched Gwen stare at her reflection. They smiled at her reaction.

“You’ve outdone yourselves,” Gwen said with tears in her eyes. “I’ve never felt more beautiful in my entire life.”

“You are beautiful, Gwendolyn,” Lady Madelyn said softly. “What the eye can see…and in your heart as well.”

“Please don’t cry, Gwen, you’ll ruin the makeup Mother has applied.”

They had applied their own makeup and had their hair done before she’d returned with Gavin. Gwen helped them now, lacing the backs of the dresses after they slipped them over their heads. Each wore a dark-purple dress that scooped low in front and had been embroidered with the same pattern as on her wedding gown. When they finished, Lady Madelyn had asked if she’d like to go downstairs and wait in the great hall.

“May I stay, just for a few more minutes?” Gwen had asked. She needed some time to herself and hoped that they would understand.

“Of course, Gwendolyn, take whatever time you need,” Lady Madelyn had replied.

Gwen looked at her reflection in the mirror again before walking to the window. She was terrified of what came next. Terrified of seeing Greylen, really seeing him for the first time. She said a quick prayer, hoping everything would be all right. She imagined how it would’ve been had he not been called away.

She saw Gavin ride into the courtyard. He was alone and quickly dismounted. He wore a crisp beige linen shirt tucked into black trousers and tall black leather boots. He looked to the window where she stood, smiling as he took the steps.

He was coming for her.

Gavin knocked softly against the open door. His breath caught audibly when she turned. “You look beautiful, Gwendolyn.”

“I feel like a sacrificial lamb,” she said, covering her nerves with sarcasm.

“No sacrifice shall be made today, Gwen. You’ll know the truth of it soon enough.”

“You look handsome, Gavin,” she said genuinely. She smiled, taking the hand he held out to her.

“Our soldiers march, Gwen. They’ll be here soon.”

“Did you see Greylen?”

“Aye, by the lake. He stopped to bathe and change before entering the courtyard.”