Chapter 280
He kept small snacks handy for her, so she would never have to wait until her stomach growled loud enough to hear before mealtime
After two full days of styling consultations, Lyra went back to her Guide studies.
Elowen had originally told her to check in with Nael about her condition before resuming lessons.
Lyra lied and said she had already spoken to him, and insisted on learning while receiving treatment so she would not fall behind.
Elowen did not press the matter further Aside from hands-on practical drills, she passed on all the core knowledge every new Guide needed to know.
One week slipped by, and the day of the new Guide’s press reception arrived.
The custom-made ceremonial gown was delivered by a team of attendants the day before.
While all the planning had felt like endless dragging-of-feet work, when the storage case was opened and Lyra laid eyes on the finished piece, she gasped in pure shock.
Good grief! It looked like she was about to wear an entire gemstone mine
Countless crystal-clear shards covered the fabric Hadrien had told her those were the eyes of some insect, but she still preferred to call them diamonds.
Mixed among them were gemstones of every hue green stones shaped into leaves, soft pink- white stones forming flower petals, yellow gems for flower stamens A moon-white satin sash cinched the waist, with dangling amethyst tassels trimming its edges
The whole outfit shimmered and glowed from every angle
She really was wearing a gemstone mine.
On top of that lay layers of intricate, heavyweight embroidery
The dress was less clothing and more a painted scroll depicting spring.
Gold threads caught the light from different directions, mimicking sunlight spilling down.
With so many elements layered on, it should have looked gaudy and over-the-top.
Even Lyra, who cared very little for material luxuries, was stunned.
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The professional designers had blended every color block with masterful precision. It was a true work of art.
Well, slow work really did yield fine craftsmanship.
Hadrien saw her mouth hanging open and knew she loved it.
“Want to try it on p>
Eyra blinked, then shook her head.
She would wait for the stylists tomorrow. She was clumsy, and she feared she might somehow ruin the dress.
“Get an early night then, Hadrien warned her. The crew will show up before sunrise.
Lyra nodded hard She had heard the Black Spire would stream the whole event live. She absolutely could not show up half-asleep in front of her friends.
Long before dawn, Hadrien heard footsteps outside.
Only the two of them lived in this house He got up at once to investigate.
“Lyra? Why are you up this early
He had told her to stop sleeping in, but four in the morning was ridiculous.
Lyra, already heading downstairs, glanced back.
“I couldn’t sleep. I heard ice helps with facial puffiness, so I’m heading down to prep p>
Hadrien’s brows shot down in a frown
“Who told you that? Eating ice first thing in the morning is terrible for you.” He stepped toward her.
“Not eating it. I’m going to press it against my face I looked in the mirror, and my face seems swollen,” Lyra typed, pinching her own check.
Hadrien’s frown never lifted.
He studied her thin cheeks. There is nothing wrong with your face, it looks exactly the same as always. Even if you aren’t eating it, how can your skin stand something that cold p>
“It should be fine. I just want to look my absolute best for today p>
“Then what do we have makeup artists for p>
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Lyra froze
Hadrien let out a helpless sigh. “You worry over nothing. There is still time. Go back to bed for a little more rest.
Lyra pouted
I can’t sleep just thinking about stepping up on that stage with countless eyes watching me makes my stomach twist with nerves.
At that. Hadrien pulled her into his arms and rubbed slow, comforting circles across her back.
After a moment, he asked. ‘Feeling any better p>
Lyra checked inside herself and gave a small nod.
It did calm her down.
The next second, her feet lifted off the floor.
Hadrien slipped one arm under her thighs and carried her upright toward his bedroom.
Lyra clutched tightly to his shoulders nervous
He set her down on his bed, pulled the covers over her, and drew her snug against his chest, patting her back gently
“Don’t be afraid. A whole team will take care of you today. Nothing disastrous is going to happen. Your only job is simple get more sleep, wake up refreshed and let them turn you into the most stunning Guide out there. All you need to do is accept everyone’s awe-struck stares.
“Everyone watching you up on that stage will only think. Wow, look at that beautiful Guide in her glittering gown, like a noble princess. They d count themselves lucky just to catch one glance from you p>
His voice was soft and magnetic, still rough around the edges from just waking. He sounded like a gentle radio host telling bedtime stories.
Before long, Lyra’s shoulders started shaking with quiet laughter.
Hadrien looked down.
Tucked safely under the blankets, she looked small and delicate. She tilted her face upward toward him, eyes crinkled in bright amusement, her irises sparkling like sunlit diamonds.
Hadrien got lost in those clear, luminous eyes.
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His gaze darkened, and he leaned down to press a feather-light kisy over her closed eyeinds.
Her trembling eyelashes brushed agarnar his skin, tackling him.
He pulled back after that soft kiss and looked down at her.
Lyra stared, dazed and blank
Several seconds passed. Her eyelids fluttered, and the second her vision focused, she ducked her head fast, burrowing her whole face under the covers like a shy little turtle.
Hadrien smiled quietly.
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Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.