The ride to Tishir Market took half an hour, the coach traveling eastward as the sun bathed the land in a golden hue. When they arrived, the coachman expertly parked the carriage and extended a hand to help the three ladies disembark. Their feet touched the cobblestone ground, and immediately, the lively hum of the marketplace surrounded them.
Tishir Market was one of the grandest markets in the four lands of the Kingdom of Caestria. Its vastness was staggering, with countless stalls selling goods from all corners of the kingdom. Finding what you sought was often a challenge due to the sheer number of people and the unending buzz of activity.
"Let's go get our dresses first. We'll start at Tailoress Anita's shop," Cleo suggested, and the others agreed with nods.
As they wove through the crowded marketplace, the air thick with the scent of spices and fresh bread, a few onlookers recognized the trio. Some bowed their heads in respect, while others simply stared in awe at the beautiful young women. However, not everyone paid them such courteous attention. A group of filthy men, lost in their cups, cast lustful gazes at the passing ladies.
"Look at the one with the orange hair," one of the drunkards slurred, his eyes lingering on Alexandra. "And those... gods, look at her boobs."
The young man serving them drinks rolled his eyes, clearly aware the drunks had no idea who they were ogling.
"This is exactly why I hate the market," Cleo grumbled, her lips curling in disgust. "Always so crowded and rowdy."
Finally, they reached their destination, and above the shop's entrance, bold lettering announced, ANITA'S DRESSINGS.
The three women stepped inside, greeted by the warmth and light of the shop. Anita, a well-known and reputable tailoress, was chatting with a young man when she noticed their arrival.
"Oh! Here come the most beautiful ladies in the East!" Anita called out in her usual, jovial manner. "Come in, come in, my sweet girls. Especially our soon-to-be bride!" She winked at Alexandra, leading them to a large, plush couch.
The shop itself was spacious, with elegant dresses lining the walls, each a work of art. Anita was not only famous in the East but well-respected throughout the kingdom for her craftsmanship.
Alexandra rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't start, Auntie Anita. I'm not married to the Crown Prince yet. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
"Oh, but everyone's saying it," Anita teased with a grin. "The whole kingdom is whispering about it."
Then, Anita gestured toward the young man who had been speaking with her earlier. "Girls, meet my son."
The revelation hit Cleo like a thunderbolt. "You have a son?" she asked, wide-eyed. "How did we not know this?"
Cloe and Alexandra shared equally surprised looks. None of them had ever imagined Anita had children—let alone a grown son.
"Nice to meet you, ladies. My name's Keith," the young man introduced himself, offering a charming smile that revealed a small diamond set into one of his front teeth.
Keith's gaze lingered on Cloe, though it was clear he could tell the difference between her and Cleo. It wasn't just the birthmark above her lips; something about her quiet grace drew him in. Her straight black hair, blue eyes, and the way she carried herself with understated elegance enchanted him.
Cleo was the first to speak. "Nice to meet you, Keith. I'm Cleo." She smiled but remained seated, not bothering to extend a hand.
"I'm Cloe," her twin added, giving him a small, polite smile, though it stirred something within Keith. He found himself captivated by her soft voice and those ocean eyes. She's beautiful he thought, trying not to stare too obviously.
"I'm Alexandra. A pleasure to meet you." Alexandra bowed her head slightly in greeting, always proper in her manners.
Anita stepped forward to take Alexandra's hand. "Now, my dear, what can I help you with today?"
Alexandra pulled out the parchment she had been sketching on earlier. "I'm looking for a sword dancer's dress, like this." She presented the intricate drawing of the Daghla, a rare and elegant design for those who practiced the art.
Anita examined the sketch with a discerning eye. "Ah, the Daghla. I don't have any pre-made, but I do have the fabrics. I could craft it perfectly for you." She smiled. "You and your brother's sword dancing is legendary around here. People will be thrilled to see it."
"Thank you, Auntie. I trust no one else but you to make it."
While Alexandra and Anita discussed the details, Cleo began browsing through the racks of dresses, her sharp eyes seeking out something bold in black or red—her favorite colors. Meanwhile, Cloe remained seated, absently playing with her fingers, lost in thought.
Suddenly, she felt the cushion beside her dip. She glanced up, blinking as she saw Keith settling into the seat next to her.
"So, aren't you going to look for a dress too?" he asked, his tone casual but filled with curiosity. "Or are you skipping the carnival?"
"Cleo will handle it for me. She knows what I like," Cloe replied softly, realizing that Keith was attempting to strike up a conversation. She didn't mind it. "Do you have any other siblings? Or is Aunty Anita hiding more surprises from us?" She gave him a teasing smile, making Keith laugh.
"No, no more surprises. It's just me," he said, shaking his head with a grin. "I was living in the West for a while, which is probably why no one here knew about me."
"I see," Cloe nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Did you return just for the carnival? I thought it was being held in the Midlands this year."
Keith leaned back, looking up at the ceiling. "Not exactly, but the carnival is a good reason to be back." His eyes drifted back to Cloe, watching her as she nervously played with her hands, her cheeks flushing slightly under his gaze.
Their conversation fell into a comfortable rhythm, though it was clear to both of them that something was simmering beneath the surface. Cloe felt the warmth of his attention and was unsure how to handle it. It wasn't every day that someone like Keith focused so intently on her.