32 - Fitting
Inside the modiste, organized chaos had begun.
"Grand Princess, please stand straight."
"Lift your arms."
"Turn slightly."
Mariana obeyed like a puppet while three seamstresses circled her with measuring tapes and chalk. One measured the width of her shoulders. Another checked the length of her skirt. A third carefully wrote down numbers on a small parchment notebook.
"Bust... waist... shoulder drop... perfect."
Mariana stared at the wall, trying to survive the experience with dignity.
This is basically a medical examination but with ribbons!!
The head seamstress clapped her hands happily. "Such beautiful proportions! Designing for the Grand Princess will be a delight!"
Mariana smiled politely. Inside, she wanted to melt into the floor. Soon she was ushered behind a velvet curtain. And the real trial began.
-
The first dress was brought out moments later. A light sky-blue gown with delicate lace sleeves.
"Please try this, Your Highness!"
Mariana emerged from behind the curtain shortly after. The reaction was immediate.
"Oh!"
"How lovely!"
Several noblewomen shopping in the store gasped in admiration. The dress flowed elegantly around her figure, the color making her golden hair glow even brighter. One lady whispered to her companion, "She looks like a spring fairy."
Mariana's face turned pink.
The-They're staring again!
She awkwardly turned toward the mirror.
Okay... I admit it. It is pretty.
The seamstresses circled her proudly.
"Perfect fit!"
"Look at that silhouette!"
Grand Duchess Darelene observed calmly from a velvet sofa nearby. She gave a small approving nod. "Acceptable."
The head seamstress beamed. "Wonderful! Let us try the next design!"
Mariana was immediately pushed back behind the curtain. Five minutes later, she emerged again. This time in a pale rose dress with soft layered chiffon.
"Oooh!"
"Aah!"
The surrounding customers clapped lightly in delight. One young noblewoman fanned herself dramatically.
"She looks like a painting!"
Mariana's embarrassment level rose to catastrophic levels.
Why is this turning into a fashion show?!
Meanwhile, Darelene calmly flipped through a thick catalogue of seasonal designs. She raised a hand slightly. A servant immediately approached.
"Your Grace?"
"Purchase refreshments for the shop," Darelene said casually.
"Yes, Your Grace."
Soon trays of chilled fruit drinks, tea, and pastries began circulating among the customers. The mood inside the modiste became lively and cheerful.
Everyone happily watched Mariana's fittings while enjoying free refreshments courtesy of the Grand Duchess. Dress after dress followed. Soft lavender. Ivory silk. Mint green with embroidered lilies. Each time Mariana stepped out-
"Ooooh!"
"Aaaah!"
"She's so pretty!"
The seamstresses looked close to fainting from happiness. Mariana felt like a walking mannequin.
At least Mother looks pleased...
Darelene occasionally looked up from the catalogue and gave short evaluations.
"This one."
"Remove that ribbon."
"Lengthen the sleeves."
Her calm authority controlled the entire fitting process like a general directing a battlefield.
Then, the shop door opened.
A bell chimed softly. At first, no one paid attention.
But the atmosphere slowly shifted. A subtle ripple passed through the room. One of the noblewomen froze mid-sip. Another lady nearly dropped her teacup. The seamstresses turned.
And then, someone spoke. "Ah." The voice was smooth. Warm. Amused. "It appears I arrived at the perfect moment."
Every head turned. Standing near the entrance was a tall young man dressed in dark noble attire. Black coat. Silver embroidery.
Amethyst eyes gleaming beneath dark lashes. Crown Prince Zafiel. The room collectively gasped. "Your Imperial Highness!" Several customers hurriedly curtsied. The seamstresses nearly collapsed in panic. Mariana froze. Her brain stopped functioning.
... oh no. No. NO!! FUUUUUCK. AAAAAAAHSHSJJSH.
Her survival plan had just exploded. Zafiel's gaze moved slowly across the room. Then it landed on Mariana.
For a brief moment, he simply looked at her. Mariana currently stood in the center of the room wearing a soft golden summer dress embroidered with lilies. Her long hair shimmered in the sunlight pouring through the shop windows.
Zafiel smiled. A slow, genuine smile. "Well," he said thoughtfully. The room held its breath. Now I understand why the entire plaza was speaking of the Grand Princess."
Mariana's face turned red. He walked closer. Every step felt deliberate. Graceful. Dangerous.
The surrounding customers looked like they were witnessing a romantic scene from a play. Zafiel stopped a few steps away from Mariana. Then he spoke gently. "Grand Princess Mariana." His eyes softened slightly. "You look absolutely radiant."
The reaction inside the shop was explosive.
"AAAAH!"
"So romantic!"
"What a compliment!"
The noblewomen began whispering excitedly. Even the seamstresses squealed quietly. Mariana felt her soul leave her body.
This is exactly the kind of attention I was trying to avoid!!!
Meanwhile-
On the sofa nearby, Grand Duchess Darelene had gone completely still. Her fingers slowly closed over the catalogue in her lap. Her elegant smile faded.
Because the Crown Prince was not supposed to be here. Her sharp eyes studied Zafiel carefully. He hadn't announced his visit. He hadn't sent a messenger. He had simply appeared.
And the way he was looking at Mariana. Darelene's instincts as a noble-and as a mother-immediately flared. Danger.
The Crown Prince chuckled softly at Mariana's flustered expression. "You seem surprised to see me."
Mariana forced out a stiff smile. "Yo-Your Imperial Highness..."
Inside her mind, emergency alarms were blaring.
Meanwhile, from the sofa, Grand Duchess Darelene slowly rose to her feet. Her voice was calm. But noticeably colder. "Your Imperial Highness."
The entire shop fell silent again. Because the Grand Duchess of Forebros had finally entered the conversation.