“I don’t want to wear this,” Azzurra muttered, staring at the dress draped before her. It was stunning, yes an exquisite shade of deep wine that shimmered like blood against her pale skin but it revealed far too much. The back was practically nonexistent, held together by delicate strings, and it clung tightly to her hips, cascading down her legs with a high slit that exposed her entire thigh.

How was she even expected to walk in this?

“But it’s the King’s strict command, my ...