Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (z-lib.org).mobi

her long, graceful fingers before her face. “You don’t think I was born looking
like this, do you?”
I stared at the smooth marble perfection of Genya’s features as understanding
set in and, with it, a wave of indignation. “You want to change my face?”
“Not change it. Just … freshen you up a bit.”
I scowled. I knew what I looked like. In fact, I was acutely aware of my
shortcomings. But I really didn’t need a gorgeous Grisha pointing them out to
me. And worse was the fact that the Darkling had sent her to do it.
“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 become 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 of the window. Outside, the sun was shining
off a small lake, a tiny island at its centre. 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?”
“Well,” Genya said reasonably, “you said yourself, you’ve been travelling
hard for days and—”
I sighed. “This is how I always look.” I rested my head on the cool glass,