Chapter Seven #2
Esther excitedly nodded. “Let me go get it! We may need to pin it, but I think we could make it work.”
I nodded eagerly, and the two swiftly shuffled to the back room. But my smile vanished the moment they returned with the heavy fabric.
Not because it wasn’t beautiful. It was stunning. The wine-red gown was made of sparkling sequin fabric, and while I couldn’t take in its full image, the structured sweetheart neckline was shaped uniquely, almost like small horns pointing toward the shoulders.
No… it was because there was no way I could afford it.
Esther’s face dropped. “You don’t like it?”
“No—I love it.” I sighed and tried to prevent myself from crying. “I can tell I don’t have enough money for it, unfortunately. But thank you for your ti—”
“Not enough money?” Esther shook her head. “My dear, you will be wearing this to the ball! Take it for free!”
My head shot up, and guilt overcame me as I took in their compassionate expressions.
How could I tell them I wasn’t invited? Well, I was invited… but my family didn't support my attendance.
Just as I went to confess, Esther held up her hand. “I saw you, you know. When you arrived here with your father and sister, I presume.” At my brows pinching, she continued, “Look, I don’t know what your situation is, but I would take a gamble that you aren’t championed in your home.”
I must’ve looked like a fish out of water with the way I tried to form my reply. “I—well, I didn’t, well, my sister—”
Esther shook her head. “You know, our late Queen Ryia was a compassionate woman. Supported all the businesses in our kingdom, that she did.” The dressmaker smiled to herself as she recalled her memory.
“And you know the wildest thing? She told me that my good fortune would come in the form of a woman in need.”
“I don’t understand…”
Katerina spoke next. “Queen Ryia had purchased a gown here and there, but still, the royal seamstresses were favored in the Center. But ever since the Queen’s passing, all seamstresses in Otacia have suffered a decline in sales.”
Esther gave me a warm grin. “Let’s make a deal. You can wear my gown, so long as you appoint me as your head seamstress.”
“…Appoint you?”
“When you’re Queen, of course.”
My jaw fell open. “You actually believe I have a chance?”
“Well, not at this rate!” she motioned me to the dressing room. “The ball starts in an hour! We must get you ready!”
The mother-daughter duo made quick work of fitting me into the gown.
It was a bit large, but with the corset waist and their effective use of pins, it fit me beautifully.
Staring at myself in a full-length mirror, I could appreciate the thigh-high slit, revealing just enough leg to be seductive while keeping some mystery.
The skirt flared out like liquid ruby, and with the matching elbow-length gloves and choker, I felt like royalty.
And completely out of place.
“You look incredible,” Esther insisted, sensing my apprehension, “and I’m not just saying that because I’m biased.” She stepped back, admiring the view with sparkles in her eyes. “Now, let me do your hair!”
“My hair?” I picked at the blonde strands. “Isn’t it too short to do anything with?”
“Nonsense!” Katerina insisted I sit, and after fetching some hair ties and a comb, she went to work.
I watched in awe as they placed four ponytails in my hair in columns, starting at my neck and moving upward. I couldn’t see how they were doing it, but after several minutes of twisting and pinning my hair, I had the loveliest updo.
“My mother would do the villagers' hair back in the day,” Esther explained as she secured her final pin. “And I’d do all of my daughter’s hair growing up—whenever they’d let me.”
Katerina snorted, giving me a half-grin. “Even my brother sometimes.”
Esther shook her head, eyes sparkling at the memory. “Roland has always been a good sport. Unlike our Addie.”
Katerina used a comb to pull out delicate strands around my hairline. “You want to talk about a handful? That’s Adelaide.”
I smiled softly, envying their family’s wholesome dynamic.
“That’s so sweet. My mother never taught my sisters or me how to do our hair.
I’ve never had it look so pretty before.
” I turned my head side to side in the mirror, then twisted in my chair, my eyes stinging.
“Not to be a downer, but this was the closest thing to motherly treatment I’ve ever had.
” I quickly swiped at my eyes. “Thank you, Esther.” I nodded to Katerina. “Both of you.”
Pity shone in their features, and Esther gently rubbed my back. “That’s a shame…I’m so sorry. But it was my pleasure, my Lady.”
I stood, heading toward the door with them. “What if I fail?” I asked quietly. “What if I can’t pay you back—”
Esther shook her head. “The only way to fail is to give up.” With a hopeful grin, she ran her hand along the skirt’s fabric. “This gown…this one is for the dreamers. And worst case, you come live with me.” She gave me a wink. “I’ll teach you how to sew, if you’d like.”
My lips wobbled, and the two scolded me playfully as a few tears fell from my eyes.
“Now, hurry! The ball is about to begin!”