The sixth witch has disappeared, and my paranoia has been kicking into high gear. A week ago, it has been reported that the king has fallen ill. The kingdom's people are shaken, and the gloomy expressions on their faces tell me what kind of leader their king is. A compassionate one.
The creatures residing here must really respect their king. That is not seen in many empires now a days. However, the king's illness has been the catalyst of the mysterious disappearances of the witches in town. The numbers of witches are already low, and for there to be drastic drop in the kingdom is jarring.
I have not seen the king and queen in person, but from their paintings they are beautiful people with a gorgeous family. The royal family here has two children, the crown prince and the princess. Apparently here in Arcana, you do not have to marry to rule. And from the rumors I here from Nora, if crown prince Fallon becomes king, he will rule alone.
That drove the elite women insane, and I cannot tell if he is being selfish or plainly protecting himself from toxic women. Nevertheless, there seems to be nothing wrong with the family.
The king of Arcana rules fairly, and the citizens here love him. But like I said, witches are disappearing after they go into the castle. Not many creatures here shine a light on that fact, but some have vocalized their suspicions. Most brush the little piece of gossip of their shoulders. As should I. If I stay low, I will be fine.
Walking into Dresses for Keeps, I sit on the stool I normally monopolize next to the large window that faces the street. Nora struts in, disturbing my little moment of peace. Her chestnut hair bounces around her, and I tilt my head. Why is she walking like that?
She smiles at me and starts laughing. "I do not understand why these shoes are all the rage."
The corner of my mouth lifts when I see the thick platform heels adorned on her dainty feet. Nora stumbles in my direction, and I get up to meet her halfway to put her out of her misery.
"You need to take those off before you injure yourself."
Nora pouts. "Aw, you are no fun."
Leading her to the stool, I sit her down. "Yes, it is not fun to have a twisted ankle."
"I got them from Dinah down the street. The girl always has the best shoes."
Inspecting the shoes, I make a humming sound. The heels are as tall as my index finger alone. The buckles around the ankle are thick and look uncomfortable. The crushed navy velvet does flatter Nora's skin tone, and the peep toe is pretty.
But still, the shoes are a hazard to customers in the shop and herself. Taking off the horrendous shoes, I set them on the windowsill. She points to her desk, and I find her everyday shoes under a ton of crushed velvet spilling off of her desk. Unzipping her practical black boots, I slip them on her feet, and she starts to giggle.
"This is giving me Cinderella vibes."
Not looking up, I snicker. "Alright, Cinderella, show me your fairy godmother, because God knows I need her more than you do."
Nora smiles. "Innndeed."
I am grateful that Nora gave me a job to work here. And I remind her most days of that fact. I enjoy her company. And literally only her company. It seems as though only vampires come to the shop.
I tolerate most customers but tending to elite vampires makes me want to yank my hair out. Still, I stay. Nora will get upset if I try to leave and I desperately need this job. What a wonderful life this is.
The first time I encountered a stuck-up vampiress, Nora smiled at me and made a coo-coo sign with her hand. I laughed, and immediately pasted a blank face at the older vampiress when she turned back glare at me.
Touching the silver locket necklace Nora gave me as a gift from the first day I stepped foot into this shop always gives me some mental strength. I have been touching it more than usual lately.
The clock chimes, and I head in the back to rotate the dresses shown on the mannequins. She makes most of the dresses here, but some she gets imported from the south. Southern fashion is more daring than most fashion seen here in the North. Those dresses have been extremely popular lately, so her inventory has been selling out quick.
Putting up the mannequins up in the window takes only a few minutes, and I walk back to sit back in Nora's desk. Nora is dealing two young vampiress who wandered into the shop earlier. The first girl looks be of an average family, and the second seems to be a class lower. Classes here are not as prominent as Clairemont which I really appreciate.
The door to the shop opens, and an ethereal blonde vampire comes in. With her platinum hair braided into a crown on her head, it gives her a regal air. She smiles at me, and I feel compelled to smile back, but I give her a slight nod of acknowledgement instead.
"Welcome, miss."
Her eyes studies me carefully, and I keep a polite look on my face. I feel as though she has seen right through me, reading all my thoughts. Feeling a little uncomfortable, I clear my throat, bringing the lady out of her thoughts.
Her face turning a little red, she bashfully smiles.
"I am sorry. I have been so out of it lately. Lady Coralie will do."
Standing up from my seat, I approach her, and I feel my blood surge. She must be of a lineage with pure blood. Extremely pure blood. The sensation reminds me of royal blood. She is definitely someone of elite class.
With her poised stature, and calm aura, it is surprising to see her in such a common place like here. There are many other shops that are designated for elite vampires to shop at.
"It is okay. Would you like a drink of water?"
Lady Coralie shakes her head and looks over at the dresses displayed with awe. Nora really knows how to capture someone's eye. Each dress is position carefully to be a visual masterpiece.
"Do you have a dress in mind you are looking for?"
She nods. "I am, miss..."
Lady Coralie looks at me expectantly.
I sigh inwardly. "Miss Ardele."
Lady Coralie thoughtfully taps her chin. "That is a pretty name."
Muttering out a quiet thank you, and she beams before turning her back to the displays.
"I am looking for a dress with high collar and an open back."
I dip my head down before leading her to look at the dresses showcased on the far-right wall.
"Any preferred material?"
Lady Coralie shakes her head, and I take out a pastel orange dress with pink detailing. The dress is backless and has a mock neck. Looking from her to the dress, I immediately put it back. The orange clashes with her complexion, and the pink detailing is a bit too bright.
She laughs. "That was not my first pick either."
My mouth curves a bit, and I turn away. Looking through the many options, a cotton sage dress catches my eyes. Pulling out the heavy dress is whole process, and I place it up on a ledge her to inspect. The dress is truly an eye catcher with a high neckline and embellished with crystal beads on the bodice. The skirt comes out into a ball gown style and is backless.
"Oh my goodness, that is gorgeous."
I put up the dress in front her. "This color flatters your pale hair color and brings out the green in your grey eyes. Definitely a must-have."
She smiles at me, her face so giddy it reminds me of a child, and I grace her with a rare smile. Finding joy in a new kingdom is a new experience as I try to keep a low profile in front of people. Keeping my expressions and actions in check are a must.
Lady Coralie takes out another dress next to her, and it is just as gorgeous as the last. By the time she is done, she has picked out four massive, stunning, and expensive dresses.
Wrapping them all up carefully, I place them in a two very large and heavy boxes. Lady Coralie brings in a massive man to carry the boxes, and she turns to pay me.
"It will be twenty silver coins."
She gracefully takes out the coins from her coin purse and sets them on the counter.
"Are you the owner of this shop?"
I look up from putting the coins into Nora's coin sorter and dispenser.
"I am not. Miss Nora is owner. She is currently busy with another matter at the moment."
"Could you put a word in for me that I would love a custom dress made?"
"Of course."
She smiles at me. "It was nice meeting you, Miss Ardele."
"Likewise."
With a wave, she departs from the shop, and I settle back into Nora's chair. Lady Coralie seems to be upset about something. Sadness clouded her eyes in a few short moments when she browsed the dresses. I hope that whatever it may be, it will get lifted off her chest soon.