Only Eyes For You

At the plaza outside the palace, Ashlynn presented a calm, stately appearance to onlookers as she stood beside High Lady Erna. Inwardly, however, her heart raced, seeming to beat twice as fast as the slow, steady rhythm of the drummers in Nyrielle's army. 

For tonight's welcoming event, Ashlynn had dressed in a long green dress that hugged her lush hips and slender waist while a corset of dark lace offered up her full bust like fine melons to be feasted upon. Unlike her last visit, she'd abandoned local fashion, choosing to leave he shoulders and neck bare. 

The attendants who helped prepare her wardrobe for today's reception looked somewhat scandalized that Ashlynn wouldn't wear any of the jewelry they offered. Necklaces, chokers, and elaborate chains of silver or gold and precious jewels were all rejected, as were the simplest of bracelets.