I arrived ten minutes early, just in case, finding a seat at the fountain but being careful with my long hair. I had to pull it over my shoulder so I wouldn’t sit on it or risk it getting wet.

The summer sun meant everything was bright and hot, and I did not regret my choice in dress.

The gown was enchanted, something I’d found in a dungeon, and magically fit but was out of fashion. I’d brought it to Miss Lilywearer’s Finest Wearings in Sumbria and they'd altered it to my desires.

I’d chosen it not just for the +2 Dexterity enchantment, but because it was the perfect combination of purple, silver and green. The base of the dress was a lilac purple, soft and sensual. The corset top dipped at my cleavage and rounded out like a heart, and the bottom flared out over my hips and fell to my ankles. Layers of the sheer lilac colored fabric skirt fell to various lengths, but the base layer was a soft green just a shade lighter than my skin tone. It gave off the illusion that you could see right through the thin silk.

I’d had Lily sew on deep royal purple delphinium fabric flowers with ornate tiny embroidered leaves starting between my breasts and sewn in an arch down to my left hip. Mqtching purple flower straps fell off my shoulders, which offered absolutely no support at all.

The dress barely touched the floor while I walked, because as much as I fantasized about billowing skirts that trailed behind me in an enchanting puddle… I didn’t want to dance in a fabric puddle.

I wore matching dark purple boots with silver leaf embroidery, and lighter lilac purple fingerless gloves with dark purple lace that came up half-way to my elbows. With my thick muscular arms and strong shoulders, there was no sense in wearing longer gloves. Besides, showing off my arms complimented the green in my dress.

After much debate and careful consideration… I’d decided to let my hair down. Unraveling my braids give it a distinct wave.

I was tempted to let all of my hair down, but instead I’d braided my shoulder length bangs and woven them around the strap of my purple and silver half-mask.

I had to wear the Ancient Gambler’s Amulet around my neck. If I unequiped it, than every time someone crossed my bridge I’d be forced to pay them in experience points instead of gold… and my massive treasure trove of gold was the only reason I could traipse across Valaria enjoying myself instead of doing my job.

Luckily, the amulet was silver. While unimpressive on its own, it didn’t clash.

My perception immediately noticed when Julian arrived. It also noticed that the half-elf didn’t greet me right away.

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He stood there for a solid thirty seconds, unmoving, but I didn't call out to him. I liked to think he was standing there staring at me in shock.

A troll can dream.

“Miss Gerda,” He cleared his throat. I stood and turned to offer him a smile. It was my turn to stare at him - Julian wore exactly what he’d been wearing on the cover of season two’s promotional picture; a black undershirt, a long royal purple silk vest with delphinium flower print, and black pants. His silver buttons matched his silver pendant. Also unassuming in comparison to the rest of his outfit. His mask was similar to my own.

His lips were in their usual unimpressed and harsh line. I wanted to poke the half-elf on the cheek and force a smile, but I didn't.

“Duke Julian.” I curtsied naturally. Then I couldn’t resist the tease. “It looks like we both made it in time today.”

Julian’s lip twitched, and then he couldn’t hold it in at all. He covered his mouth to hold back laughter.

“So it would seem,” He managed, walking closer. He held out his arm to escort me, and the gentle smile on his face made my toes curl. “I have to ask…”

Knowing that my raised eyebrows were hidden behind my mask, I took his arm and encouraged him with my words, “Yes?”

“Did you arrange to wear that dress before you knew that I was going to escort you?” He eyed me from the side, looking to the flowers trailing down to my hips and then back up to my mask. “Or were you going to attend in that all along.”

My shoulders stiffened and I fought to keep the lighthearted smile. “What can I say?”

“You can just say that you knew all along.” He said, though I noticed a hitch in his voice that I couldn’t place.

He waved us towards the main building and I followed as we started walking.

“It was one of many options.” In a very dumb move on my part, I decided not to lie. “I knew what you were going to wear, but I had no idea we were going together. Promise.”

It was true. My own interaction with the storyline had never come up. I was never seen by the eyes of the chosen in any scenario, or forwarned of in any perk. Granted, my interaction with the story thus far was primarily reactive.

His voice dropped ever so slightly even as he said through a smile, “Oh? Who else were you planning to go with?”

“Lady Amy,” I replied. I knew many people in attendance… but not personally. And while there were a pile of invites deliveredto my room after my identity was revealed, I couldn't have planned for that.

The likeliest scenario would’ve been just going alone, but I wasn’t going to tell Julian that. I didn’t need him teasing me any further.

Julian nodded. “Her loss. Is she also wearing purple today?”

I pulled out my fan with my free hand and hid behind it. “She is wearing green.”

“I see.”

“The delphiniums were an add on.” I offered. “And you have to admit, we do look hot– I mean we both look great in purple.”

“You do look hot.” He said, staring at the flush I knew was dying my cheeks pink.

Of course, he had to say that in his sultry low dulcet voice with no idea what it did to me. The scoundrel.

“It’s summer.” I replied, forcing myself to calm down. The fan helped.

He opened the door for me and I stepped ahead of him, thankful for the magical equivalent of air conditioning that kept the palace cool. I needed it.

We walked in silence.

Then, when we were only a short distance from joining everyone in the grand lobby, Julian leaned down and said softly. “Before we go in, I should say….”

“What?"

“You were right, Miss Gerda.” His voice tickled my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. “You do look lovely in purple.”

Magical air conditioning, you have failed me.