Chapter Twenty-Four
Leia had been fusing over Danica for what felt like hours. Her hair was already intricately styled in a way that looked almost lazy and yet somehow gave her an ethereal feeling. Now, Leia worked mostly on makeup, smoothing more and more things on her face.
“I don’t usually wear this much makeup,” Danica admitted as Leia ran a brush along her cheekbones. When she was satisfied with that, she dropped the brush and picked up another.
“Eyes closed,” Leia instructed, and Danica obliged, relaxing at the feeling of the brush along her eyelids. “This isn’t makeup, dear,” she murmured. “It’s armor. When you walk into the gala, no one will consider you a threat.”
“Isn’t that bad?” Danica asked. “I’ve always been a firm believer in being strong.”
“And you are. I’ve never met a woman as strong as you are,” Leia gushed. “I understand why Phi and Arden are so smitten with you.” Danica blushed at the words, but Leia pretended not to see. “But here, that kind of strength is a challenge. When you walk in like this, they’ll dismiss you and that’s our power as a woman. When they refuse to acknowledge our strength, we use it to our advantage when they never expect it.”
“You sound so certain.” Danica flicked open her eyes again when Leia stopped with the brush for a moment.
Leia tilted her head, studying her handywork before picking up another brush. “I’ve been in the palace for far longer than most, have seen the powerful women who make a difference here. Those women tend to get greedy and reach for more and more power until they make a mistake. You don’t strike me as the kind to make those sorts of mistakes here.”
“I’m not searching for power,” Danica agreed. “I’m just trying to keep the kids I care about in a steady home for once.”
Leia paused with the brush halfway to Danica’s face. “Phi told me about the orphanage. I think it’s very noble of you to be doing what you are for them.”
“Anyone would do the same,” Danica shrugged, looking away, but Leia’s strong fingers cupped her chin and tilted her eyes back up.
“No, they wouldn’t,” she said. “And you know that.”
Danica frowned but Leia tsked until she relaxed her face again. “I’m not some sort of hero.”
“I know at least twenty-one children who would argue different. And besides Arden and Phi, I bet there are more adults who think the same.” Leia set down the brushes and smiled. “Your makeup and hair are done. Let’s get you into this dress. We’re running out of time.”
When Leia unzipped the garment bag, Danica’s breath whooshed out of her, and she stared at the dress with wide eyes.
“Armor,” Leia reminded her, and Danica finally understood.