The first thing he would do was get some outfits and find out about this grand ball. The best way to do that was to get a new suit. It had been a long time since he had returned to the Golden City, and it took him a while to remember exactly where the tailor's shop was. Eventually, he found it nestled in the fae quarter.
The bell jingled as he entered and found the tailor adjusting someone on a pedestal.
“Be with you in just a moment,” the tailor said, and Lucius nodded, heading over to the suits.
He had plenty of clothes in his wardrobe at home, but he would need something spectacular for this ball—assuming he could get tickets, which would be another interesting task.
He perused the different outfits, examining the colors and brocade vests. He found a black top hat and placed it on his head—it suited him quite nicely.
The bell rang again, and the patron the tailor had been attending to left.
“Can I help you, sir?”
“Ah, yes,” Lucius said. “I'm hoping to find something to attend the masquerade.”
The tailor's eyes widened—a sure sign that anyone attending had plenty of coin to spend in his shop.
“Well, it's a masquerade. Have you thought about what you want to wear?”
“I haven't, but I'm up for suggestions.”
The tailor looked Lucius over from head to toe.
“Hmm,” he said. “Silver fox.”
The tailor raised a finger. “I have just the outfit.”
He rummaged through a few suits and then pulled one out. The vest was a shiny silver with black threading. It didn’t look particularly spectacular, though it was of high quality.
Before Lucius could ask how this outfit would be appropriate, the tailor opened a drawer and pulled out a silver mask.
The mask was edged in black, designed in a clear foxlike style. It would cover the top part of his face—simple yet extravagant.
“It's perfect,” Lucius said, taking off his jacket as he tried on the suit.
Once he was finished, he asked the tailor, “I need to get another ticket for a friend. Do you know where they’re selling them? I was gifted one for me and my wife.”
The tailor tapped his chin. “Well, you could try the jeweler.”
Lucius nodded, took his package, and headed out.
He continued shopping, picking up various snacks, foods, and drinks. He visited a boutique, and described Tavia's height, size, and curves to get her a few outfits.
When his arms were full of bags, and he didn’t think he could carry any more, he stopped at the jeweler.
The jeweler was helping other customers, so Lucius perused the cases. His eyes stopped on a glittering gem—a topaz, almost the exact color of Tavia's eyes.
It would be exquisite on her.
But would she accept it?
He doubted she would, but if it was part of her outfitfor the masquerade, she might.
When the jeweler was finished, Lucius pointed to the jeweled necklace. The jeweler’s eyes widened, and he tapped his fingers. Lucius could only imagine how much he was about to spend. But money could be earned and replaced—and that was one thing Lucius had plenty of.
His mind drifted to Tavia, wondering if she was taking the bath he had drawn for her. When his thoughts shifted to imagining what she would look like in the tub, he tried to shake the image away.
Would she be in the bath when he returned? Would she be sleeping?
