The letter is vague, and she hasn’t asked for a reply.
“She’s taking me to town,” I say to the sprites, “and she’ll be here within the hour.”
Tig puts a hand on her hip and quirks an eyebrow. The sisters are every bit as animated and expressive as their words are elusive.
“I agree.” I quirk a brow back at the sprite. “A little presumptuous of her.”
Tig puffs out her agreement and selects a pale silver gown and a matching pair of pants to dress me in. As presumptuous as theinvitationmight be I’m nearly as relieved to be free of the manor as I am about furthering my friendship with the female.
I’m not used to being idle and despite the fact that the herb continues to keep my demon at bay during the night, when I dig deep, I can feel the darkness coiled inside of me. It bides its time, waiting for the release I desperately need. The herb won’t last forever and that’s something I’ll have to deal with, but not today.
I shake off the thought and instead watch Tig braid my hair. Her hands haven’t stopped moving but her eyes are fastened on mine and she’s absent her usual smile.
I hurry into the courtyard when I see Awri’s carriage approach. Whatever remains of my trepidation vanishes the moment she flings open the door and I see the warmth of her cheerful face. My mood spoils just as quickly when I take in the general sitting across from her. Another wave of relief hits me when she pulls me into the seat beside her so that I’m facing him, rather than sharing his bench.
“I’m so glad you could come with us today,” she beams.
“As am I. Thank you for the invitation,” I say, as Awri taps on the roof of the carriage, and it jolts forward.
“I’m glad to see you will be joining us as well, General,” I say sweetly.
The male who hasn’t so much as glanced at me since I climbed into the carriage whips his head toward me as if I’ve just threatened him. He looks me over and his lips form a hard line, but he tips his head in greeting before resuming his perusal of the grounds outside the window. I try not to be smug about the fact that I’ve already annoyed him and without even trying.
“I thought we might stop by Adora’s,” Awri says, “She is a good friend and by far the best seamstress in A’kori. She isn’t taking new clients, but I’m sure she will make an exception for you. I’ve sent the invitations out for the masque just this morning and she, along with every other needleworker in town, is sure to be flooded with orders as soon as they are received.”
“I would love that, Awri. Thank you,” I say, biting back a grimace.
“Then why do you look like you’re in pain?” the general sneers.
I hadn’t noticed his eyes on me, and I think I prefer being ignored by the male. I school my features into a pleasant smile and keep my tongue from lashing out. No need to tell him that if I do look like I’m in pain, it’s likely because I’m acutely aware that I’ll have to suffer through hischarmingpersonality for the duration of the day.
“It will be fun,” Awri says, taking my hand and wrapping it around her arm. “I normally despise standing for measurements, but I think you will find Adora is particularly amusing.” She leans in, whispering in my ear loud enough for the general to hear, “I believe the general is afraid that you and she may get along a little too well.”
I have no idea what she means but I can’t wait to find out when the general side eyes her, his frown deepening.
A small bell rings when we enter the brightly painted shop near the center of town. I hadn’t given it much thought the day I arrived in A’kori but due to the gentle slope of the city there are few areas in town that lack an expansive view of the sea. Behind a small table of sandwiches and cakes, a settee sits below a large window with a sweeping view of the shimmering harbor. Crystals hanging from a small chandelier over the seating area dance and sparkle in the sunlight. Vases of cut peonies adorn every surface, filling the air with the scent of spring.
A slender feyn rushes out from behind a heavy curtain leading to theback of the shop. Her hair is a dark shade of blonde, twisted into a knot at the top of her head. She wears a dress in the typical A’kori fashion, but she’s taken the front panels of her skirt and knotted them below her hip, turning it into little more than a tunic and pants. Her dark brown eyes look me over from head to toe before she looks to Awri and opens her arms, her lips breaking to reveal a warm grin.
Awri is quick to wrap her up in a lingering embrace as she says, “It’s been too long.”
“You always say that,” Adora chuckles.
“Well, it’s always true.” Awri pulls back from her friend, handing her a sealed letter produced from within the cloak she wears.
The seamstress cracks the seal, pulls out a thick, forest green invitation with golden scrollwork and lets out a long whistle.
“I’ll make sure my girls are expecting the orders. But your dress, I will sew myself,” Adora beams.
“I’m hoping you’ll have time for two,” Awri says and beckons me over. “Adora, this is Shivaria. She’s recently come from La’tari to stay with her uncle for the season, and she’s in need of something exquisite that can only be crafted by your magical hands.”
I will myself not to look at her hands as I wonder if the seamstress is in fact gifted or if it is only a turn of phrase. Adora’s eyes sparkle at the compliment, and she offers me a small, kind smile.
“Lovely to meet you, Shivaria. If you’ve managed to work your way into Awri’s favor, I’m sure I can find the time to craft your gown as well.” Her eyes fall back to the invitation. “What is the theme?”
“Fea,” Awri says, bouncing on her heel as she claps her hands. “Inspired by my new friend here.” She nods in my direction.
“Stars above. You realize my girls will be working around the clock to satisfy the demands for such an event? You couldn’t have simply picked a color for your theme? Blue maybe?”
