Disclaimer: Libba Bray owns these characters; I do not.
She pins up her white-blond hair, which has been combed so it is as soft as silk. She takes out her mirror and looks at her reflection. She sees her gray eyes sparkling, and her lips curve in a small smile. She looks beautiful in her low-cut gown that matches the color of her eyes, although it will be considered slightly inappropriate by many critical guests. In any case, she knows that she's stunning, and has about as much power as a woman can have, at least in this world.
But it's not enough.
Maybe it used to be. But it's more likely that she'd always secretly wanted more. But after the first time she journeyed into the realms, she began to crave power and importance more than ever. She's aware that may be her downfall, but she can't help who she is. The desire for power, the desire for more, will always be a part of her.
She knows she's expected soon at the ball, as her friends will be waiting for her. She pulls on her shoes, and stands. She looks extravagant, the Admiral Worthington's daughter in every way. Throughout the evening, she's attentive to the young men that court her and to the other ladies who gossip to her about the latest scandal. She pretends to be interested, but in truth, all she can think about is the next time she can journey into the realms.
Because she needs the magic they contain so dearly, she needs that time to be soon.
Author's Note: This takes place after Rebel Angels.
