"I love... this," Sera said, marveling at her reflection in the mirror. She couldn't believe her eyes.
"I knew the color red would perfectly suit your skin tone and features," the modiste, an old woman, said with a hint of satisfaction in her voice, licking her lips in anticipation.
"This looks too elegant for such a ceremony," Sera remarked, a tinge of guilt creeping into her thoughts, knowing that the ceremony wouldn't unfold as everyone expected.
Kara noticed the sadness etched on Sera's face, her pouty expression and downcast eyes.
"Don't tell me you wish to wear another color, Sera," Kara said, gently pulling her friend out of her reverie.
"Oh, no. Of course not. I love this," Sera replied, almost in a whisper. Her eyes traced the contours of her body, taking in every detail.
"Then please, wear it. It is your marriage. There is no greater ceremony!" the modiste exclaimed, beaming with pride through her spectacles.
The opulent fabric gracefully enveloped Sera's figure, adorned with intricate gold embroidery. The modest yet alluring neckline framed her collarbones, exuding sophistication. A slender gold belt accentuated her waist, adding a touch of luxury and emphasizing her shape.
From the waist, the dress cascaded in a graceful flow, its layers of rich red fabric swaying with each step, radiating elegance and grace.
"We'll take this and be on our way. Thank you so much," Sera politely expressed her gratitude, holding Kara's hand as she descended from the platform where she had been standing.
"Well, isn't that a lovely dress?" one of the ladies who had entered the shop remarked. "Seraphina, you're saving the village with your marriage. You must be thrilled about your future, right, dear?" she inquired.
Sera forced a smile. "Yes, indeed. And look at this beautiful gown. It made me sentimental," she replied, keeping her gaze fixed on her dress.
"The overall effect is my favorite part of this dress. It possesses timeless beauty and romance. The deep red hue symbolizes love and passion, while the golden accents add opulence and splendor. Oh my, it reminds me why I fell in love with the art of dressmaking over and over again," the modiste remarked, capturing the attention of the four women in the room. They gasped in awe at the intricate details.
"It truly is a work of art. You're so talented. For the next village event, I want to have my dress made here..."
"Wow, the details, though. They're really beautiful."
"I'm sure you can do such a job for my daughter's wedding in the future..."
The women started gossiping amongst themselves as they looked at Sera as if she were a model figure, kept to watch and appreciate.
"Yes, yes! Of course. This is just one design. I have many more. Not anything similar, though, but believe in me," the woman said and smiled weakly. All the others nodded and agreed.
With that, the women walked out of the room, leaving Sera, Kara, and the modiste.
"This was a pre-made dress, but it just hung on my body as if it was made for me. For whom did you make it?" Sera questioned after a while.
Kara's eyebrows knitted as she suddenly understood that Sera's question held true.
They walked inside, and Sera asked for a dress with her favorite colors, and what turned out was a magnificent dress that suited her taste perfectly.
The old woman smiled. The smile came from her heart, as all the wrinkles proved.
"Allow miracles to happen in your life, my dear. I'm glad the dress was to your taste. Please, let's settle the coins," she said and began helping Sera take off the dress.
"How much is it?"
"It's going to be eighty gold coins," the old woman said, looking at the two young women.
"Eighty? That's too much. I could buy a new horse with that wealth. You're not suggesting that we spend all of that on this dress... Are you?" Kara questioned, her voice slightly loud.
"Well, the price stays the same. Whether you buy it or not, it remains the same, woman," the old woman replied with the same tone as Kara.
"Fifty coins."
"Seventy-five."
"Fifty-five."
"Seventy coins. Give or take," the woman said, shaking her head.
"Fine-"
"Add it to Lord Genghis's account, please. Thank you," Sera said and redressed in her usual clothes.
"Alright. I will do that. Hope he pays on time. Lady Meredith often visits here, so I suppose it'll be easier," she said, smiling at the two women.
Both of them nodded and glanced at the other dresses. None of them were as beautiful as the dress that Sera had worn.
Nevertheless, they both left the shop content with their purchase. Sera knew she had found her perfect dress, and she also knew that she would no longer be sacrificing her future for the village.
-
The knocks on the door interrupted Sera's actions. She had been about to retrieve the journal hidden under the mattress to continue reading her mother's story. However, the knocks forced her to immediately cease her movements.
She stood up from her crouched position and smoothed out her dress.
"Come in?" she called out, unsure of who was on the other side.
"Si..." her father appeared in the doorway.
Sera's face lit up with a warm smile. "Good to see you, papa. Come in, have a seat."
She welcomed him inside, knowing that he had something important to discuss, judging by the serious expression on his face.
The old man appeared solemn, but the affection in his smile revealed the deep love and concern he had for his daughter during this critical moment. A moment when he was preparing his daughter to marry someone of the same age.
"Si, how are you holding up?" her father asked as he took a seat on the bed next to her.
"I've been... so-so, papa. Things are happening very quickly, and I'm trying to make sense of it all," Sera admitted, speaking honestly.
Even for herself, with the whirlwind of plans and events unfolding, it felt as if everything was moving at an overwhelming pace.
Her father let out a sigh, his face reflecting the weight of the difficult timing. First, he had lost his beloved wife, someone he deeply cared for and cherished. And now, he had to give away his eldest daughter.
"Si, we haven't really talked about... Your mother," he began, capturing Sera's attention. In the midst of all the strange occurrences surrounding her, learning more about her mother would provide valuable context.
"Yes, papa," Sera sighed, her acting skills honed. "I didn't know how to react, and I still don't. I feel truly devastated, and it's hard to believe that she's really gone. It's like a heavy weight in my heart."
"Oh, my Si, my Si..." Her father pulled her into a tight embrace. "You can always talk to Kara, my dear. Your mother was a courageous woman, that much I can say without hesitation. She didn't deserve such a fate."
Sera reciprocated the comforting gesture, wrapping her arms around her father. In that moment, despite his intentions to console her, she felt as if she were the one providing solace to her father.
"Poor man, he must have gone through so much," she thought to herself, holding onto him even tighter.
They held each other for a few more moments, finding solace in their connection.
Her father was the first to pull back, wiping his tears with his hand. His eyes were still brimming with sadness.
"She must be in a much better place... than this," Sera spoke softly, her voice filled with compassion.
Tears continued to well up in her father's eyes. "I miss her so much, Si."
He shook his head abruptly, realizing he shouldn't burden his daughter with his emotions.
"I'm sorry, Si. I shouldn't be unloading all of this onto you. What do you know?" he said, trying to compose himself.
Sera remained still, understanding that her father was realizing his mistake.
"Si... Sera," he called out her name once more. "Your mother, she was a mysterious and courageous woman. Her bravery knew no bounds. Let me share a story with you." He adjusted himself in his seat and stared into space, deliberately avoiding his daughter's gaze.
Sera listened intently, her curiosity piqued by her father's words. But he looked to be in a long thought.
"What do you mean, papa?" she questioned. The silence brought more curiosity for her. She waited but there was no response. He was zoned out. "Papa, tell me more about her… Please."
"She worked for the royal kingdom for many years. From a very young age, she dedicated herself to that work. But one night, they expelled her, fearing she was a Grisha. A woman with powers-" her father began, but Sera couldn't help but interrupt.
"Was she?" she interjected, eager for more information.
"I never knew for sure. But she was always hiding something... for her own protection, she would often say. Your mother was a complex woman, Sera. But I want you to learn an important lesson," he continued, a sense of guilt in his voice.
"Hm?" Sera prompted, wanting to understand.
"You must always stand up for yourself. And you should never... hide," he expressed, his words weighed down by regret.
-
add the book to your library and support me!