Chapter 196

• VALENTINA
• I woke in the quiet morning light of my suite. I lay beneath the silk sheets and watched the soft patterns the sun made across the ceiling. The events of the previous evening stayed fresh in my mind. The dinner with Gustavo. The brandy by the fire. The way his fingers brushed my cheek when he spoke about the ball. I turned my head toward the nightstand and saw the velvet box still resting there. The silver mask inside felt like a promise and a challenge at the same time. I sat up slowly and swung my legs over the side of the bed. The cool marble floor met my bare feet and grounded my thoughts. I stood and walked to the window. I pulled the curtain aside and looked down at the garden. The fountain sprayed water in steady arcs and the roses bloomed in deep red and pure white. Everything looked peaceful yet I knew the day ahead would bring new steps into Gustavo’s world.
• I moved to the bathroom and turned on the shower. Warm water ran over my skin and washed away the last traces of sleep. While I stood under the spray I thought about the gown fitting Gustavo mentioned last night. He had chosen three dresses for me to try this morning. Each one was meant to show the city that I belonged at his side. The idea sent a mix of excitement and nervousness through my chest. I turned off the water and dried myself with a thick towel. I chose a simple white blouse and fitted trousers from the wardrobe. The clothes felt professional and safe. They hid the way my body still reacted when Gustavo looked at me too long. I brushed my hair into a neat ponytail and applied light makeup. When I checked my reflection I saw a woman who appeared steady on the outside. Only I knew how fast my heart beat at the thought of standing in front of him in beautiful gowns.