NINETY TWO: Suggestion

As quickly as the wine sharing ceremony had begun, it was over.

Kel and Calix were both quickly ushered out of the room to prepare for the dance.

As she was led to a small dressing room nearby, Kel tried to remember every hook and tie on her dress that needed to be undone.

There were two hooks at her hips to release the shimmering white underskirt. It was tied around her waist as well. 

Or did it come off in parts? And she was supposed to leave the tie alone?

"Ugh. Good thing someone else has to handle this," Kel mumbled to herself, nodding to the maid who was holding the dressing room door open.

Upon entering the room, she gasped at the first pleasant thing that had occurred so far during the engagement party.

Standing at the back of the room, arms straight at her sides, was Lucy.

The woman's face was a little more hardened than Kel was used to, but otherwise, she looked no worse for wear.