Shadow and Bone

“Forget it,” I said, jumping to my feet. “If the Darkling
doesn’t like the way I look, that’s his problem.”
“Do you like the way you look?” Genya asked with what
seemed to be genuine curiosity.
“Not particularly,” I snapped. “But my life has gotten
confusing enough without seeing a stranger’s face in the
mirror.”
“It doesn’t work that way,” Genya said. “I can’t make big
changes, just small ones. Even out your skin. Do something
with that mousy hair of yours. I’ve perfected myself, but I’ve
had my whole life to do it.”
I wanted to argue, but she actually was perfect. “Get out.”
Genya cocked her head to one side, studying me. “Why are
you taking this so personally?”
“Wouldn’t you?”
“I have no idea. I’ve always been beautiful.”
“And humble too?”
She shrugged. “So I’m beautiful. That doesn’t mean much
among Grisha. The Darkling doesn’t care what you look like,
just what you can do.”
“Then why did he send you?”
“Because the King loves beauty and the Darkling knows
that. In the King’s court, appearances are everything. If you’re
to be the salvation of all of Ravka … well, it would be better if
you looked the part.”
I crossed my arms and looked out the window. Outside, the
sun was shining off a small lake, a tiny island at its center. I
had no idea what time it was or how long I’d slept.
Genya walked over to me. “You’re not ugly, you know.”
“Thanks,” I said drily, still staring out at the wooded
grounds.
“You just look a little …”
“Tired? Sickly? Skinny?”