The black diamonds of the ancient bridal chain were cold against Kaia's bare skin.
She stood perfectly still in the center of her dressing room as two maids carefully lowered a heavy, high-collared gown of slate-grey wool over her head. The thick fabric settled into place, completely concealing the intricate web of Valdamar gold that crisscrossed between her breasts and draped over her hips.
Every time she shifted her weight, the delicate chains shifted with her, the small diamonds dragging against her sensitive flesh—a constant, secret, highly erotic friction.
"The fit is impeccable, Your Majesty," one of the maids murmured, smoothing the skirts. "Though... you shivered. Is the wool not warm enough?"
"The wool is fine," Kaia lied smoothly, her cheeks flushing as the lower loop of the chain pressed into her hipbone. "I am merely... anticipating the morning's schedule."
The heavy oak door to the dressing room clicked open.
