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“It’s yours.” Maelin spoke calmly and firmly. “Rosaer, if you would be so kind as to put the name Alladarossa Cordovan on that gown? It’s sold.”
Chapter Five
Maelin heaved a sigh of relief that Alla’s gown had been so easily selected. She’d envisioned at least an hour of try-ons, discussions, re-try-ons, and maybe even a tear or two.
Alla was her best friend, but when it came to clothes? They had very different tastes indeed. However, today was apparently a day for miracles, or at least for the surprise discovery of a couturier whose designs were miraculously brilliant.
As she browsed, Maelin realised that she’d not seen this shop before. Of course, since she’d been away for a year, that was not surprising, but still...the fact that Alla hadn’t mentioned knowing about it either? That was a little puzzling.
“You frown, child. One with your beauty should always be smiling.”
Maelin nearly jumped as the voice came from a shadowed alcove. She turned to find an elderly lady comfortably seated in an oversized chair with her feet resting on a matching footstool. At first guess, she could be someone’s chaperone. Perhaps her daughter, or even granddaughter, was still in one of the changing rooms.
“You are very kind,” Maelin replied politely. “It is indeed hard to frown in a place such as this, surrounded by loveliness.”
The woman nodded, her eyes bright, sharp, glued to Maelin’s face.
“Are you here with a family member? Someone seeking something extra special?” Maelin glanced at the models. “This is certainly the place for such things. My friend...”
“...Has found the gown meant for her,” said the old woman. “But you have yet to find yours, Maelin of Theryn.”
A brief chill sent goosepimples across her skin. “You know my name?”
“I know many things,” smiled the old woman. “But I must not tease you. I am Highdame Ysoria Marr, and I am visiting my Caelemar relatives.”
“How...how lovely. And what an honour to meet you, Highdame.” Maelin dropped a curtsey, well aware that this woman was almost a legend in the annals of Caelemar.
“You are a long way from the Duskbound Mountains,” she continued. “May I hope you’re enjoying your visit?”
“I am now,” chuckled the Highdame. “I have known more than a few Theryns, child. May I say you are not only amongst one of the loveliest, but also certainly one of the most intelligent.”
“Oh, I...” Maelin waved the compliment aside, embarrassed down to her slippers.
“Stop. I speak only the truth. Your uncle has fled the comfort of his home, driven out by an unwise choice of mate. He returns now and again but is beginning to realise his mistake. Your new aunt, as you have correctly deduced, is out to match you to the highest of the high, in an attempt to reap financial as well as social rewards.”
The Highdame’s eyes were large and dark, and Maelin couldn’t drag her gaze away from them.
“But you, young Maelin...you have a road ahead of you that nobody else in your family can tread.”
She unfurled the fan she held in her lap, and the metallic rattle surprised Maelin. It was a mechanical fan, sparkling brass, inset with glittering silver designs, and she couldn’t take her eyes off it.
“This ball is more than just an excuse for your new aunt to flaunt her wealth. It is a door, Maelin of Theryn. A door to events that require something from you.”
Slightly dizzy, Maelin blinked. “I don’t understand...”
“I know, child. I know. Listen to me now...” The fan moved gently from side to side. “You will need to place your trust carefully and listen not to your brain but to the magic in your heart. When you do, you will have what you need. Something within you will open doors. Trust in yourself enough to walk through them.”
Scarcely breathing, Maelin digested the words. “You’re a Seer,” she whispered. “You’re the Seer of the Duskbound mountains.”
The Highdame smiled quietly. “What on earth makes you think that? I’m just a silly old woman with an old fan.”
“Highdame, I have your Crownmist tea,” Rosaer appeared at Maelin’s side, bearing a delicate china plate, along with a cup and saucer.
“You’re a good girl, Rosaer. Put that here, next to me, and take this child out to find her dress.” She smiled at Maelin. “I see the oceans within you. I suggest you take a good look at the Storm Deep design.”
“I’ll make sure to show it to her, Highdame.”
Maelin curtsied. “It’s been an honour, Highdame. Thank you for sharing your time and your wisdom.” She managed a smile. “I shall take your words to heart. And,” she turned to Rosaer, “I would indeed like to see the Storm Deep design?”
