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Once the pampering was done and they were on their way back to the hotel, Emmaline asked, “How are you feeling?”
“Excited,” Jayna said. “A bit overwhelmed. And maybe a little skeptical about Lena’s ability to deliver that gown in time. What is she—some kind of miracle worker?”
“Lena is the best seamstress Manutai has to offer, but she also already had a head start putting that gown together. That’s why she was hesitant to make those modifications. But you’re right—you need a dress you can dance in.”
“So, someone ordered it and then cancelled?”
Emmaline pursed her lips. “Not exactly, but something like that.”
“I guess I’m lucky that dress will work so well for me, then.”
Emmaline smiled at her. “Very lucky. And don’t worry—you’re going to be fine. Obsidian will take good care of you, and I’ll be there, too—just in case.”
Knowing that Emmaline would be on hand was reassuring. Jayna could see why Sid relied on her. “Thanks. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
“Don’t mention it. It’s my job to make sure you have everything you need. Which reminds me,” she said as she turned her attention to her handbag. She retrieved a small black velvet box and handed it to Jayna. “This is for you.”
Jayna’s heart fluttered as she opened the box and removed a thick silver bangle bracelet and matching ear cuff, both encrusted with diamonds and emeralds. She gasped. “They’re beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like them. Your slap phone is cute, but it doesn’t really match your dress.”
With the realization that this was a phone and not just jewelry, Jayna examined the bracelet again. Compared to the simple black strip of plastic she wore on her wrist and the plain black earpiece she occasionally used, it truly would be an elegant addition to her ensemble.
“Thank you.” She carefully lifted the broad metal ring from the box and slipped it over her hand. The wide bangle hung loosely from her wrist, and the gemstones glittered white and green. “Is there a way to adjust the size?”
“No,” Emmaline said. “That’s the way it’s supposed to fit. Very elegant, don’t you think?”
Jayna moved her arm and watched as the jewels caught and scattered the sunlight. She smiled. “Yes, very elegant.” She slid the bracelet off and returned it to its box.
She spent the next few hours in her hotel room with a team of stylists who picked up where the salon artists had left off. By the time the hair and makeup were declared finished, Lena had arrived with a small army of her own. Despite Emmaline’s reassurances, Jayna was surprised by Lena’s apparent success at delivering the gown on time.
The display wall had been set to mirror mode, and Jayna barely caught a glimpse of herself as a pair of young women ushered her into the bedroom.
Two more young women followed behind carrying a long black garment bag. The four of them worked together to remove the shimmering emerald-green dress from the bag, and Jayna understood why Lena had brought so many helpers. The gown dripped with crystals that sparkled and shone even in the weak hotel room light.
Once Jayna had removed her navy-blue dress, the four attendants carefully lowered the emerald gown over her head and onto her shoulders. Jayna gasped at the sheer mass of it. The gown was as heavy as a full suit of mermaid armor, but at the ball she wouldn’t have the buoyancy of the water to help with the weight. Even with the adjustments, such an incredibly heavy dress was going to make dancing difficult.
There was a rap at the door. “How’s it going?” Emmaline asked.
“We’re just about done,” the lead attendant said.
“Well, don’t keep me in suspense!”
The attendant raised an eyebrow. “Are you ready?”
Jayna took a steadying breath and nodded. The attendant opened the bedroom door, and Jayna stepped out.
Her breath caught as she looked at herself in the display wall. She was a mermaid princess. Not a princess in a mermaid show, with heavy, glittery waterproof makeup, but like a genuine mer-princess wearing a gown of glittering ocean-green.
Her long, red hair cascaded around her shoulders in impossible flowing waves, and her head was topped with a silver crown adorned with dainty silver starfish and seashells. A mesh of tiny silver chains looped around the back of her head.
She had elegant yet striking shading on her lips and eyes that was somehow both natural and other-worldly.
“Wow,” Emmaline said, grinning with approval as she moved to stand beside Jayna. Sid’s assistant wore a beautiful blue-and-white dress that gave the impression of an ice floe and absolutely popped with the bright electric blue of her hair.
“Do you think Sid will like it?” Jayna asked.
“He’ll absolutely love it.”
