“The wasting disease?”
This makes her brows pucker, and then she breaks into a dark laugh. “Don’t worry, my prince, nothing here is contagious. You and your mate are quite safe.”
I swallow hard. I have offended her. “My apologies. I have been gone a long time.”
“Yes, you have.” She taps her chin, her eyes narrowing with her curiosity.
“Can you help us?” I gesture behind me at Eloise, who shuffles to my side. “We need a full wardrobe. Dresses, undergarments, shoes, accessories.”
Eloise smiles warmly at the woman. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ariadne. I’ve heard so much about the masterful work you did for Queen Nyxadora.”
Ariadne’s eyes fill with tears at the comment. “And you are?”
“Eloise. I’m Damien’s mate.”
Ariadne studies Eloise as if she’s taking measurements. She pokes her head out the door and looks both ways. “I will help you. Come in,” she says. “Quickly.”
I follow her into a room that used to be a perfect display of glitz and splendor, but the purple velvet sofa is dusty and torn in one corner and the ornately carved wood tables are badly in need of refinishing.
“We’ve missed you, Damien. Everyone assumed you were dead.”
I hate the way her dress hangs on her skeletal frame, the bones of her shoulders noticeable under the fabric. “I was taken from this world by a coven of witches and only returned to the castle recently.”
Her face falls. “Then you’ve been to Castle Stygarde. You know your brother sits on the throne with a dark elf by his side.”
“Of course. We are…staying at the castle.” I’m too embarrassed to share that I’m the newest stable manager. “But what has happened here?”
“You mean to ask, why do I look like I’m dying?”
I swallow hard and nod.
“Because I am dying.”
I open my mouth to say…what, I’m not sure. What words of comfort can one give to a person at the end? She holds up a hand to stop my trying.
“You’re not here to talk about my health. You’re here for dresses.” She threads her fingers into Eloise’s and leads her toward the back room. “I’m afraid I don’t have a large selection of material available these days, but I can show you what remains.”
Eloise waves me off. “Enjoy the village. I’ll be fine.”
Both women disappear behind a heavy velvet curtain.
11
Wasting Disease
ELOISE
Ariadne pulls me by the hand into her back room, remarkably strong for a woman who, if human, would weigh about ninety pounds. She gestures toward a trio of decorative panels. “I’ll need to take measurements. You may undress there.”
Reluctantly, I move behind the screen and begin to unfasten Nevina’s ugly pink dress. I don’t love the idea of standing mostly naked in front of a stranger, but it would be impossible for her to take my measurements with my body smashed inside it. I moan softly at the relief I feel once I finally worm my way out of it.
“Are you well, Lady?”
“Please, call me Eloise. I’m no lady. And I’m fine, just relieved to get out of that dress.” I come out from behind the screen in nothing but my bra and panties and step up on the box at the center of the room.
Ariadne stares at my underthings like she’s never seen anything like them. I have no idea what people here wear underneath their clothing, but clearly, it’s not black lace. “Where did you say you are from?” she asks absently as she walks around the back of me.
“A planet called Earth. As Damien mentioned, he was captured by a coven of witches and dragged through a rift between our worlds. I was born there—where he was taken. Together, we were able to make our way back.”
