"You look beautiful, Natalia."
Kimiko stepped back, admiring her handiwork. Natalia stood before the full-length mirror in a backless midnight-blue gown that made her look like she had stepped out of a painting. Her hair was swept up in an elegant updo, a few strategic strands left to frame her face.
"Thank you," Natalia replied, her voice distant, her eyes fixed on her reflection.
From my position in the hallway, I could see them both without being seen. Kimiko's expression was a mix of pride and sadness as she adjusted the necklace at Natalia's throat.
"Are you going to be okay tonight?" Kimiko asked softly.
Natalia's mask never slipped. "I'll be fine. It's just one night."
"I'm proud of you," Kimiko said, squeezing her shoulders gently. "I know this has been hard."
I slipped away before they could notice me, returning to my own room where Luka waited with my suit.
"There you are!" he boomed, holding up the tailored black jacket. "Let's get you dressed for battle, son."
