48. Gunshots

My breath caught in my throat as I took in Talia's regal bearing, the confident tilt of her chin as she surveyed the crowd like a queen holding court. She looked dressed to kill, an image of the red queen herself.

Her crimson gown seemed to smolder, her hair done up. She was clad in a regal hanbok, made of shiny red silk fabric that seemed to glow. The golden thread was sewn along the edges in pretty flower designs.

A yellow outer robe went over the red dress, making her look very regal and important. The dress had a long skirt that flowed gracefully around her feet as she walked.

Her makeup looked perfect. She had shimmery gold eyeshadow on her eyelids that made her eyes sparkle. Her eyebrows were nicely shaped, cheeks looked sculpted with blush and bronzer.

But her lips were the most striking part. They were painted a deep, bright red color, like shiny red apples.

Her hair was stylishly upswept and decorated with fancy jade and pearl ornaments and clips.

A hush fell over the b