Aylin awoke the next morning to warm sunlight streaming in through the window onto her bed. She swung to her side, the sunrays bearing down on her face. Her eyes drooped to the open book on her bed as her lashes fluttered. Stretching out her hand, she closed the book and set it on the bedside table.
Aylin sat up and groggily rubbed her eyes before picking up her phone that lay on the bed, turning it on, she stared at the blank screen and sighed, turning the phone off, she leaned her back against the headboard.
Last night when she came into her room, having nothing to do, Aylin looked through her phone and read the book she had gotten from the library which was some boring stuff about the history of the kingdom—at least, that was what she knew from the first page before she fell asleep.
When she woke up because of a nightmare, she found herself walking into the library, looking for the book which caught her attention earlier that afternoon. She didn't know what was about the book that she felt drawn to but one thing was for sure, it was one hella interesting story that she couldn't stop reading until sleep overtook her once more.
The door opened and Aylin looked up to see Dahlia walking in.
"My lady, you are awake," Dahlia said with a smile as she made her way over to Aylin. "How was your sleep?"
"Fine, thank you, how about yourself?" Aylin asked and Dahlia smiled.
"I slept well My lady,"
"That's good, what time is it?" Aylin asked, getting out of bed.
"It's 7:30, My lady. I already prepared your bath, would you like me to assist you?" Dahlia offered with a smile.
"Thank you, Dahlia but there's no need for that," Aylin smiled politely,
It was enough that she couldn't do anything, any work or chores, though she wasn't complaining, bathing for her? Nah... She wasn't lazy to that extent.
With the water ready and fresh towels in the bathroom. Aylin made quick work getting clean and dressed up while Dahlia took care of her hair, styling them nicely into black-white curls that went down her back and streaks of white curly hair framing her face perfectly.
She walked out of her room to the dining room, where she had breakfast with Rhea and Andromeda, The duke nowhere in sight.
After breakfast, they walked out of the mansion, heading to the carriage. Aylin couldn't help staring at her surroundings as this was the first time she stepped out of the mansion.
The porch was wide, with two staircases on either side of the entrance and six large pillars forming a curve with the roof of the porch extending above her head. The steps were decorated with potted flowers, and a similarly wide chandelier hung from the white ceiling above her head. Aylin stared in amazement as she descended the stairs before entering a sizable courtyard with a fountain in the center.
Aylin continued to enjoy the view as she walked until she reached where the carriage was parked and stopped to see two guards on horses behind the carriage while Andromeda stood beside the entrance of the carriage; waiting for her.
"Shall we?" Andromeda asked with a smile.
"Where is Rhea?" Aylin asked.
Andromeda replied," Who knows–"
"Looking for me?" Before Andromeda could finish her sentence, Rhea spoke from behind Aylin, startling her.
"Sorry, did I scare you?" Rhea asked, chuckling at Aylin's surprised face.
"No, just surprised because you weren't there before," Aylin replied with a smile.
"I teleported," Rhea explained. "Now, let's go" she announced, stepping into the carriage.
Aylin and Andromeda followed suit, taking their seats. Once everyone else was aboard, the carriage set off and Aylin leaned her head against the glass of the window as they slowly left the mansion.
She wanted to see how everything was around here, the streets, houses, shops, and people. She hoped that if she could get acquainted with this place, she wouldn't feel quite as intimidated around the duke and other people.
The carriage drove away from the quiet streets of the duke's residence into a crowded town bustling with people in extravagant clothing – men dressed in expensive clothes, women wearing gorgeous dresses. Tall and gaudy buildings, on either side of the road, lined the street.
"This town is called Valledives, or a market for the rich," Rhea chuckled.
"Market for the rich?" Aylin asked.
Rhea nodded. "This place sells things that only the wealthy can buy."
Aylin hummed to show interest. "And are all of these people wealthy?" She asked.
"I don't know and I don't care," Rhea answered.
They continued driving further along the busy thoroughfare when the carriage came to a stop, and they exited. The sun beat down on them, and Aylin shielded herself by raising an arm above her head—shielding her eyes from the glare of the sun.
"Here we are," Rhea announced.
Aylin turned to look up at what Rhea was talking about. A one-story building stood in front of them, glasses covered the front and a plaque that read, "Luxury sewings" was perched on the rooftop.
Aylin looked around and saw people rushing past her, some carrying heavy-looking baskets or carts filled with fabrics, others carrying boxes while customers walked leisurely with wide smiles on their faces, seemingly happy with their purchases.
"Let's go," Andromeda said and they started walking towards the building. Several people bowed to Andromeda as soon as they saw her, glancing curiously at Aylin before continuing on their way.
"Your Grace! What can we do for you?" A girl hurriedly came forward and bowed to Andromeda once they stepped into the shop.
The shop was filled with rows upon rows of clothing, dresses, and gowns which would take anyone's breath away—including Aylin's even though she wasn't a fan of gowns.
"I would like for Lady Iris to personally attend to me," Andromeda requested.
"Of course, Your Grace. Please follow me." The girl gestured for them to follow her.
The girl led them down a corridor to a room where mirrors lined a part of the wall. The floors were marbled flooring, and the walls were a cream color. A woman wearing glasses stood behind a dress hung on a rack, she was so concentrated on what she was doing that she didn't even hear their footsteps approach her.
"Lady Iris," the girl bowed, the woman was startled a little when she heard someone call out to her.
The woman looked up to see who was speaking, and when she noticed Andromeda, her eyes widened "Oh my God! Who do we have here? Your grace, what a pleasant surprise! It has been too long since you visited my shop," Iris smiled softly as they placed feathery kisses on each other's cheeks.
"They are close friends," Rhea whispered to Aylin who nodded in response.
Andromeda chuckled, "Yes, yes, I'm sorry Iris, but I've been very busy, please forgive me."
"Of course, of course. I understand," She waved her hand dismissively before turning to Rhea. "Rhea? Is that you? when did you get back?" Iris smiled.
"Just yesterday Iris, my apologies for not coming to see you first," Rhea apologized as she pulled Iris in for a hug.
"Forgive you so easily? I don't think so." Iris laughed before pulling away from Rhea. "So what can I do for you?"
"Iris, let me introduce you to Aylin Hill, she is new in the city and needs dresses for her stay here," Rhea said, gesturing to Aylin.
Aylin curtsied, "Nice to meet you, Lady Iris."
"Oh please, just call me Iris. And it's nice to meet you too Aylin." Iris smiled warmly. "So... You needed dresses right? Well, You've come to the perfect place. Follow me," Iris instructed, motioning for them to follow her.
When the four arrived at a room at the end of the hallway, Iris brought out a key and unlocked the door before opening the door to reveal a beautiful lavender-colored room with matching chairs, tables, and curtains. She pointed at a seat.
"Please, sit."
Once they sat down on the chairs, Iris grabbed her measuring tape and began to measure Aylin. Once done, Iris put the measuring tape aside and smiled at her.
"I know just what you'll love, I'll be back shortly with the dresses." With that Iris quickly made her exit, and after some time, she came back with racks of dresses, ranging from simple to elegant and gorgeous. Iris then placed the dresses in a row in the corner.
"Alright, let us start!" Iris announced and Aylin started trying on every one of the dresses.
Rhea and Andromeda sat and watched Aylin, occasionally commenting on what they thought was appropriate or not fitting for her while Aylin would listen to their suggestions before telling Iris how she wanted the dresses to be. Which were mostly slit long-sleeved free gowns, wide pants, and men's shirts.
"…And that's all." Aylin finished with a wide smile on her lips while Iris stared at her.
"Uhh… Wait. Do you really want these types of clothes?" Iris asked, stupefied.
"Yes, is something wrong?"
"Aylin…" Andromeda called and Aylin whirled around.
"Yes?"
"You need to remember that we're not in Ethere. The dresses you listed are only worn in Ethere and remember that we came here to get you the dresses worn here so you would be able to fit in." Andromeda's words came out softly as she stared at Aylin.
Aylin, who got what Andromeda meant by her words, smiled back at her and nodded.
Right, she needed to blend in which equals having to wear gowns every day and night.
Aylin sighed in her head before turning to Iris.
"So no slits but please make them free and comfortable please?" Aylin pleaded and Iris smiled.
"Sure I can do that but what about the shirt and pants."
"That too. Wait! Do you even make men's clothing?" Aylin questioned, causing Iris's smile to widen.
"You didn't ask me but I do. So if you want, I can sew them for you."
"You do?! Wow, I thought—" Aylin couldn't finish her words as Rhea interrupted.
"Make them for me too. I would love to wear them too." Her chirpy voice resounded in the room, making Iris shake her head while Aylin raised her brow.
"Sure I will. So Aylin, should I?" Iris asked Aylin who turned to Andromeda.
"Can I?" She requested and Rhea had to stop herself from rolling her eyes.
"Yes, you can." Andromeda gave her permission and Rhea grinned, excited that she would be able to try on male clothing.
"Alright, let's do this!"
It took almost three hours for them to be done and by that time, they had bought numerous dresses.
Aylin was tired, her feet hurt from standing in the same spot all day, and she also felt thirsty. She wanted to take off the last dress she wore but was having difficulties reaching the zipper. Iris who was behind her offered to help and Aylin gratefully accepted her offer.
Iris packed Aylin's hair to the side and her lotus tattoo peeked out, catching Iris's eye. She froze, her eyes trained on the tattoo.