Chapter 206

• VALENTINA
• I stood alone in my suite three days before the masquerade ball. Morning light filtered through the curtains and fell across the emerald green gown that hung ready in the open wardrobe. The diamond necklace and earrings rested on the velvet tray beside it. I stepped closer and lifted the necklace with careful hands. The stones felt cool and heavy against my palm. I fastened it around my neck and added the earrings.
• When I stood in front of the tall mirror the full look came together once more. The green fabric caught the light and the diamonds rested perfectly against my skin. I turned slowly and watched the skirt move with me. The dress no longer felt like something chosen for me. It felt like it was made for the woman I had become inside these walls. The ball was now only three days away. The thought settled in my chest with steady weight and quiet excitement.