When Adora’s gaze lands on the general, she gives him a thorough perusal as if she has only now become aware of his presence. Her lips curve up at the ends as she says, “I take it you will be wanting a gown as well? I suppose I could work in a third. Something bright and cheerful to cover upthat disposition of yours.”
Oh, I like her.
The general on the other hand doesn’t look particularly amused. Which only makes it better.
I bite down a laugh, twisting my lips to keep the smile off my face. Awri gives me a mischievous wink, and I think just maybe this will be the first time I’ve ever enjoyed seeing a seamstress.
Adora offers me a seat by the window, encouraging me to help myself to refreshments while she takes Awri’s measurements across the room. The general makes himself comfortable in a seat close to mine, careful to place himself directly between us. He still doesn’t trust me, though I have no idea why. I should have realized the moment I saw him in the carriage that he likely came for her protection.
“The theme is fea?” I ask, trying to make conversation with the male.
“It is.”
He looks content to leave it at that, but I am determined to win him over. So, I press on.
“Any fea?” I ask.
He purses his lips, tapping his fingers on the armrest of his chair before turning to meet my eyes.
“Traditionally, you dress as the last fea you’ve had dealings with. I suppose since you’ve only ever interacted with the one, it will be an easy choice for you.”
It takes me a moment to track his line of thought. He doesn’t know about the wood sprites and the only other fea I’ve had dealings with…
My stomach pitches at the thought of the crone.
“Bagya.” It comes out as little more than a whisper on my lips.
“It’s a good choice,” he shrugs, “and it will be unique. She reveals herself so rarely that you’re not likely to come across anyone else dressed in her likeness.”
“Shivaria. I’ll take your measurements now.”
Awri takes a seat by the general as the seamstress escorts me across the room.
She situates me on a small landing surrounded on three sides by tallmirrors and asks, “Any thoughts as to what you might like your costume to be?”
“What did Awri choose?” I wonder.
“I’ll let her tell you if she wants to,” she says with a small smile. “Most of the ladies prefer it to be a surprise and being a seamstress is as much about keeping your lips sealed as it is about creating lovely things.”
I consider all the closely guarded secrets the female is likely privy to and decide that she might in fact be averygood friend to have.
“Bagya,” I say quietly.
Her hands still and she raises her eyes to meet mine, a half-smile forming at the corner of her mouth when she says, “I think I’m going to like you.”
She is back to work measuring my arms before I can reply.
“Brave choice of costume. I’m going to have a lot of fun with the design. Unless you prefer to design it yourself? Awri usually gives me free reign on her gowns.”
“The design is all yours.”
She laughs at the clear relief in my voice as she stretches her measuring tape across the top of my arm before jotting a number down in a small booklet.
“Awri tells me you two met recently,” she says, “She rarely takes to anyone so quickly. You’re lucky. She is an exceptional lady and a good friend.”
“I can see that.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Adora says, standing to wrap her cloth measuring tape around my chest. “The general is a good male, too. It just takes him a while to warm up.”
