The sunlight streaming through the grand windows of Leora's castle had a way of making everything feel larger than life.
The golden rays bounced off the polished floors and bathed the halls in a warm glow, as if the very walls were celebrating the day. Or maybe I was projecting, given the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.
I stood in the entrance hall, smoothing out the fabric of my dress nervously as Leora emerged, her fiery red hair catching the light. Her purple eyes sparkled with mischief, and I immediately regretted asking for her help.
"This is going to be so much fun," she declared, clapping her hands together.
"I'm trusting you to keep this reasonable," I said, raising an eyebrow.
Leora's laugh was light and teasing as she looped her arm through mine. "Oh, sweet Aeliana, have I ever done anything reasonable in my life?"
"Exactly my point."
Before I could protest further, she was guiding me toward the door. A carriage was already waiting, its polished exterior gleaming in the sunlight. I half-expected it to be over-the-top, given Leora's penchant for dramatics, but it was surprisingly elegant.
"Where are we even going?" I asked as the footman helped me inside.
"A place I trust with my life when it comes to fashion," Leora replied, settling into her seat. "Well, that and my reputation as the most stylish person in the realm."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. Leora's confidence was contagious, and I found myself relaxing as the carriage rattled along the cobbled streets.
When we arrived, I was momentarily struck speechless. The boutique stood nestled between towering buildings, its façade glittering with delicate glass ornaments. Inside, rows upon rows of gowns stretched out, each one more intricate than the last.
Fabrics shimmered in soft hues of white, cream, and champagne, while the air smelled faintly of lavender and vanilla.
A tall, impeccably dressed man greeted us with a bow. "Leora, darling! It's been ages!"
"Too long, Elias," Leora replied with a dramatic flourish. "But today isn't about me. Meet Aeliana, the bride-to-be."
I flushed under his scrutinizing gaze, but he smiled warmly. "Ah, such grace! This will be a delight."
Leora wasted no time diving in, dragging me toward a section of the boutique where lace and silk seemed to glow under the soft lighting. She pulled dress after dress off the racks, tossing them my way with wild abandon.
"What about this one?" she asked, holding up a gown with a plunging neckline and far too many sequins.
I grimaced. "I'm not trying to blind my guests, Leora."
She laughed, setting it aside. "Fair enough. Something understated, then."
Elias stepped in, his keen eye assessing me. "If I may, I think I have just the thing."
He disappeared into the back, returning moments later with a gown that took my breath away.
The fabric was soft and flowing, with intricate floral embroidery that seemed to dance in the light. The neckline was modest yet elegant, and the subtle train gave it a regal touch.
Leora's eyes widened. "Oh, that's it. That's the one."
I hesitated, reaching out to touch the fabric. It felt like air between my fingers, and I couldn't deny the excitement bubbling within me. "Let me try it on."
The dressing room was spacious and lined with mirrors, giving me a full view as Elias helped me into the gown. When I stepped out, Leora's face lit up like a firework.
"By the gods, Aeliana," she whispered. "You look stunning."
I turned to the mirrors, my breath catching. It was perfect—elegant and timeless, yet it felt uniquely me. The embroidery seemed to frame my figure without overwhelming it, and the soft ivory color complimented my skin tone beautifully.
"I think this is the one," I said softly, meeting Leora's gaze.
Her grin was triumphant. "Of course it is. I told you this would be fun."
Elias clapped his hands together. "A perfect choice. Now, let's talk accessories."
For the next hour, Leora and Elias fussed over veils, shoes, and jewelry, while I stood there feeling like a doll being dressed.
But I couldn't stop smiling. Every piece they selected seemed to tie the look together, and by the end, I could hardly recognize myself in the mirror.
As we finalized the details, Leora leaned in conspiratorially. "You know, Ciara is going to lose her mind when she sees you."
I laughed, my cheeks warming. "That's the goal, isn't it?"
By the time we left the boutique, the sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
The gown was carefully packaged and tucked into the carriage, and I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me.
"Thank you, Leora," I said as we made our way back to the castle.
She waved a hand dismissively. "Don't thank me yet. Wait until you see what I've planned for your bachelorette party."
I groaned, but her laughter filled the carriage, light and carefree. For all her teasing, I knew Leora cared deeply, and I was grateful to have her by my side for this journey.
The day had been overwhelming in the best way, and as I glanced out the window at the fading light, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement for the future.
The carriage pulled up to a cozy, well-lit tavern just outside the city.
The smell of roasted meats and fresh bread wafted through the air, mingling with the soft hum of chatter and laughter from within. Leora stepped out first, surveying the establishment with an exaggeratedly critical eye.
"Well, it doesn't smell terrible," she said, as if that were the highest compliment she could muster.
I rolled my eyes, following her inside. "Could you try to enjoy this without tearing it apart for once?"
Leora smirked. "I'll try, but you know my standards."
The tavern was warm and inviting, with rustic wooden beams and flickering lanterns casting a golden glow. We found a table near the hearth, and a cheerful server approached almost immediately.
"Welcome! What can I get you ladies tonight?"
Leora leaned back in her chair, her sharp purple eyes narrowing slightly. "What's the special?"
The server beamed. "We have a slow-roasted lamb with garlic potatoes and a honey glaze. It's a favorite."
Leora hummed thoughtfully. "I suppose that'll do. Two of those, please." She gestured toward me. "And a cider for her."
I blinked. "I can order for myself, thank you."
Leora waved me off. "Trust me, you'll want the cider."
When the food arrived, I could feel the tension radiating off Leora before she even lifted her fork.
She took her first bite with all the intensity of a judge at a high-stakes culinary competition. I bit back a laugh, watching her expression shift from thoughtful to vaguely unimpressed.
"The lamb is slightly overcooked," she began, as I knew she would. "The glaze is too sweet, and the potatoes could use a touch more seasoning. Honestly, what kind of amateur…"
"Leora," I interrupted, struggling to keep a straight face. "It's not a royal banquet. It's a tavern. People come here for comfort food, not gourmet critiques."
She raised an eyebrow at me, undeterred. "That's no excuse. A good cook should take pride in every dish they serve, no matter where they are."
The server, who had been passing by, froze mid-step. I could see the panic in her eyes as she turned to us. "I… I'll let the kitchen know, ma'am. We always strive to improve."
Leora gave her a gracious nod, as if she had just delivered invaluable wisdom. The server hurried away, and I groaned, dropping my head into my hands.
"You're going to scare them off," I muttered.
Leora chuckled, taking another bite. "Please, they should thank me. Feedback is a gift."
Despite her criticisms, Leora managed to finish her meal with the gusto of someone who clearly enjoyed it more than she let on. I couldn't help but smirk as she went back for another bite of potatoes.
"So," I teased, "if it's so flawed, why are you eating so much of it?"
She paused, mid-chew, and shot me a mock glare. "I'm gathering evidence for my case."
"Your case?"
"Yes, my case against mediocrity in the culinary arts."
I burst out laughing, unable to help myself. "You're impossible."
"And you love me for it," she shot back with a wink.
By the time we finished, the tavern staff was giving us cautious glances, no doubt wondering what other critiques Leora might unleash. As we stood to leave, the server approached once more, looking visibly relieved that we were heading out.
"I hope everything was to your satisfaction," she said carefully.
Leora gave her a long, appraising look before smiling faintly. "The cider was excellent. Give my compliments to the brewer."
The poor server looked like she might faint from relief. "Of course, ma'am. Thank you!"
Outside, the cool night air was a welcome change from the warmth of the tavern. I turned to Leora, shaking my head in disbelief.
"You know, you could've just said the food was fine."
She grinned. "Where's the fun in that?"
I sighed, but I couldn't stop smiling. Leora might be a menace in the kitchen or any place serving food, really but she had a way of making even the simplest outings memorable.
As we climbed back into the carriage, I couldn't help but feel grateful for her presence in my life, chaos and all.