Chapter 400 – Delegation

• I sigh, shifting my weight to my other foot, turning my face away from my reflection in the mirror. I’m sick of staring at it, even if this gown that they’ve created for the mating ceremony is incredible, all flowing blue silk embroidered with silver, flowing about ten feet behind me in an elaborate train.
• “I’m sorry,” Pippa murmurs, looking up at me with two pins pressed between her lips as she works steadfastly at the hem at the front of my dress, getting it to just the perfect length. She takes the pins out of her mouth hand hastily makes two more folds. “I know you’ve been standing there for hours, Ariel, but this really is the last bit.”
• I smile down at her and shake my head, because it’s not her fault. “Honestly it’s much harder on you, Pip,” I say, reaching down to pat her head, which makes her laugh. “Trying to crouch down for hours while pregnant like that. Honestly, you should win a medal for balancing on the balls of your feet.”