And I intended to make sure she understood that too, before the day was through.
Chapter fourteen
Krampus
Snow fell in fat, lazy flakes as I guided Simone down the hidden side street that most humans walked past without noticing. My hand rested at the small of her back, as we stepped over the threshold of glamour that separated ordinary downtown from its magical counterpart. The change was immediate, cobblestone streets replaced asphalt, gas lamps with enchanted blue flames took over for harsh electric lighting, and shop windows displayed merchandise that would confound mortal physics. Simone's breath caught audibly asthe transformation revealed itself, her eyes wide and wondering despite having worked in a supernatural café for months. The difference, of course, was that The Hearth catered to creatures seeking ordinary comfort, while this district showcased magic at its most indulgent and extravagant.
"I didn't know this was here," she whispered, unconsciously stepping closer to my side as a pair of elegantly dressed vampires glided past.
"Few humans do without an escort," I replied, steering her toward our first destination. "The glamour is designed to deflect the unprepared mind."
Around us, the supernatural elite conducted their business, fae nobles bargaining over glowing gemstones, werewolf dignitaries in tailored suits discussing pack politics, witches examining bottles of ingredients that occasionally emitted sparks or changed colors. The boutiques lining the street gleamed with tasteful opulence, windows trimmed in gold and silver, display mannequins that subtly shifted poses when no one was looking directly at them, merchandise suspended in mid-air or presenting impossible geometries.
I selected our first stop, a dress shop that featured living marble statues that bowed slightly as we approached. The bell above the door chimed in a perfect third octave as I held it open for Simone, who hesitated briefly before stepping inside. The interior was warmer than the snowy street, scented with vanilla and the smell of fabric woven with intention and enchantment. A tall, willowy elf with silver-white hair glided forward, her measuring tape floating beside her like an obedient serpent.
"Lord Krampus," she greeted, inclining her head. "How unexpected and delightful. How may Moondust Apparel serve you today?"
"Something for the lady," I replied, watching Simone's discomfort grow as the shopkeeper's appraising gaze swept overher simple pink dress and worn boots. "Anything you deem worthy of her."
The elf, Sylindra, if I recalled correctly, circled Simone with interest, the measuring tape darting out to take dimensions without touching her. "Pink suits her complexion," she observed. "But perhaps something more sophisticated than cotton? Something that honors her curves rather than merely containing them?"
Simone's cheeks darkened at the assessment. "I really don't need—"
"The velvet," I interrupted, pointing to a dress displayed on a mannequin that had frozen mid-twirl. The garment in question was a deep rose pink, with a texture that seemed to absorb and reflect light simultaneously. "But richer. Darker. Something between sunset and wine."
"Excellent choice," the elf approved. "It will complement her natural coloring." She turned to Simone with a smile. "If you'll step this way, my dear?"
"I can't accept this," Simone protested weakly, looking up at me with wide, confused eyes. "It must cost—"
"Cost is irrelevant," I stated, leaving no room for argument. "Go."
Her lips pressed into a thin line of objection, but she followed the shopkeeper behind a shimmering curtain. I settled into a chair clearly designed for accompanying parties, stretching my legs before me as I contemplated the rest of our itinerary.
Twenty minutes later, Simone emerged looking transformed. The velvet dress clung to her curves exactly as I'd envisioned. The neckline dipped just low enough to reveal the top of my marks on her throat, a detail I suspected was not accidental on the elf's part.
"Wrap up any others that look good on her," I instructed Sylindra. "Wrap up her regular clothes. She'll wear this out."
"What? No, I can't—" Simone started, but the elf was already whisking away to process the purchase. Simone turned to me, her voice dropping to an urgent whisper. "This is too much. I don't need fancy dresses. I don't even have anywhere to wear something like this."
"You will," I assured her, rising to my full height and offering my arm. "This is merely the beginning."
I guided her from the shop and directly to our next destination, a small, exclusive boutique specializing in enchanted outerwear. The proprietor, a grizzled dwarf with fingers perpetually stained with magic residue, presented us with a coat of soft gray wool that seemed to shimmer with hidden enchantments.
"Our finest," he declared, holding it up for Simone's inspection. "Spell-woven warmth that adjusts to body temperature. Repels moisture, resists staining, and provides protection against minor hexes and curses. The pockets connect to a small pocket dimension for convenient storage."
Simone's fingers trembled slightly as she touched the fabric. "This is beautiful, but—"
"We'll take it," I interrupted, nodding to the dwarf.
Her protests grew more insistent as we moved to the third shop, an intimate apparel boutique run by a pair of succubi whose knowing smiles made Simone's discomfort spike visibly. Inside, mannequins modeled lingerie that occasionally changed positions in provocative ways.
I selected a set of black lace so delicate it appeared spun from shadows, Simone couldn't even look directly at it, her eyes darting away.
"Krampus, please," she whispered. "This is inappropriate. You're my boss, and—"
"I'm considerably more than your boss," I corrected, my voice low enough that only she could hear. "As you well know."I turned to the succubus attendant. "Add matching pieces in crimson and emerald. Deliver them with the other items."
By the time we reached the jewelry store, Simone's protests had taken on a desperate quality. The goblin jeweler presented a collection of gold and moonstone pieces that caught the light like captured stars, a delicate necklace with a pendant designed to rest precisely where my collar had been, earrings that chimed softly with movement, and a bracelet that subtly adjusted its size to the wearer's wrist.
