Cara's Twelve Read Online Free Page B

Her hair hung loosely in perfect waves down her back, and a crown of pearls had been meticulously braided through the dark tresses.
    “It's perfect,” Cara said, which earned her one of Wynnafor's rare smiles.
    “Oh Cara, you truly are the most lovely thing I've ever seen.”
    Cara smiled and appraised Maeve. “Thank you cousin, but I fear that I will be shadowed by your own beauty. You look stunning.”
    Maeve grimaced and began to fidget, biting on her knuckles, which were often chafed and painfully red. Cara had learned through observation that it was a habit Maeve had whenever she felt reprimanded. During their time together Maeve had grown more confident in Cara's presence, but there were still moments like these, when she worried over her cousin's timidity.
    “It was a compliment Maeve, not a rebuke. Don't look so despondent.”
    “The Queen had the dress made for me,” she fretted, biting her lip. “I didn't want to wear it.”
    Now that Cara looked more closely, she noticed that Maeve's dress was very similar to her own which had been made especially for tonight's ceremony. Both dresses were cut from the same white and ivory silk, and elaborately embroidered with pearls. Cara frowned as she realized that Maeve wore a ceremonial garment that transcended her own.
    Cara shook off the uneasy feeling. Maeve had proven to be a good friend, and Cara knew there was no deceit in her. She wasn't sure what the Queen was up to, but she was certain that Maeve had no part in it.
    Cara smiled and tried to relieve Maeve's anxiety. “You could be wearing a burlap bag and you would still shine brighter than me.”
    Maeve's mood remained melancholy as they rode together through the streets of Annul towards the temple. Cara tried to suppress her unease as she watched her cousin stare gloomily out the carriage window.
    “It's all right to be angry with me. I'm not sure how I would feel if our roles were reversed,” Cara said.
    “Angry?” Maeve echoed, mouth agape. “At you? Why on earth would I have any reason to be angry with you?
    “What reason don't you have? This should be your day. It's not fair. You know that I wish that I could change things.”
    Maeve shook her head. “I have come to terms with my fate, and I am absolutely certain that the goddess has chosen you wisely. When you stand on the altar tonight, I will pledge my loyalty alongside the Twelve to serve and protect you always. Please Cara, trust me when I tell you that there is only friendship and good will between us.”
    Cara sat in the carriage and looked at her cousin in confusion. “Then tell me what is upsetting you?”
    Maeve smiled, but the sadness and fear remained heavily painted on her face.
    “Forgive me,” Maeve said, as she leaned forward to grip Cara's hand. “I'm feeling in poor health today. It's nothing to worry about.”
    Cara could tell it was a lie, but she wouldn't push Maeve any further; it would only cause her to retreat into herself.
    “Do you think they are already there?” Cara asked, changing the subject.
    “Who? The provincial consorts?” Maeve asked, and Cara nodded. “They would have held vigil in the Temple during the night. They will be waiting in earnest, and they will not be disappointed when they finally lay eyes on you.”
    “I hope you're right,” Cara sighed. “But I fear I am a poor substitution for you.”
    “I am fragile compared to your strength and goodness. I have no doubt that they will fall madly in love with you the moment they see you.” Cara huffed at Maeve's romanticizing.
    “And I have no doubt that all of Elbia will follow suit.”
    Cara shook her head in denial. Maeve had so much faith in her, and she was fearful that she wouldn't live up to her cousin's expectations.
    The entire process terrified Cara. The romantic tales of passion and rapture that Maeve had told her about past queens and their consorts had done little to quiet her nerves. She had never considered herself romantic by