Thalia sat at the dining table, her hands resting anxiously on her lap. Lady Elira was seated opposite her, the picture of calm elegance, though her steely gaze occasionally flicked toward the entrance.
"Collet should be here any moment now," Elira said, her voice cool but carrying a note of expectation.
"I hope she likes it," Thalia murmured. "I put everything into this design."
Elira gave her a rare, small smile. "You've surprised me, Thalia. I admit I wasn't sure what to expect when you proposed this idea, but... I think you might be onto something."
Before Thalia could respond, the door opened, and Collet Charis entered the room, her lilac hair shining in the light, her soft blue eyes lighting up as she spotted the two women. In her hands was the sample dress, carefully wrapped in protective fabric.
"Thalia! Elira!" Collet greeted warmly, walking briskly toward them. She placed the wrapped dress on the table and sat down. "I've been waiting all week to see this finished piece. Let's not waste another second."
Thalia's heart raced as she carefully unwrapped the dress. The fabric unfurled to reveal the vibrant floral pattern, the soft yet breathable material, and the modern yet timeless silhouette. It was both elegant and functional, designed to blend style with comfort—a stark contrast to the restrictive corsets and heavy gowns of their time.
Collet's eyes widened as she took in the dress. "Oh, Thalia, it's even more beautiful than I imagined! The details, the fabric—it's perfect!"
Lady Elira reached out to touch the fabric, her usually stoic expression softening. "It's lightweight yet sturdy. And these colors..." She trailed off, clearly impressed. "You've outdone yourself, Thalia."
Thalia beamed, relief washing over her. "Do you think it will resonate with others?"
"Resonate?" Collet laughed. "It's revolutionary! I'll wear it to the upcoming banquet myself. This dress deserves to be seen."
---
Days Later
The launch of the floral dress was quiet at first. Samples were sent to select boutiques, and whispers began circulating about the Astoria estate's bold new venture. However, orders were slow, and the silence stretched on.
Thalia found herself pacing in the drawing room, her nerves fraying. "Maybe it was too ambitious," she muttered.
Elira, ever composed, sipped her tea. "Give it time. Something as different as this needs a spark to ignite interest."
That spark came sooner than they expected.
---
Collet's Perspective
The grand hall of the banquet was filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of crystal glasses. Collet moved through the crowd with practiced grace, her floral dress drawing curious glances.
"What is she wearing?" one noblewoman whispered to another, her voice barely audible above the chatter.
"It's so... simple. And where's the corset?" another scoffed, her nose wrinkling in disapproval.
Collet caught snippets of their conversation but paid them no mind. Instead, she approached a group of acquaintances, her smile bright.
"Lady Charis," one of the women greeted her, her tone polite but laced with skepticism. "Your attire tonight is... unconventional."
Collet laughed lightly, her lilac hair shimmering under the chandelier's glow. "It's unconventional because it's better," she said confidently. "This dress is designed by Thalia Astoria. It's not just beautiful; it's practical. The fabric is breathable, the fit allows for freedom of movement, and the floral design? It's inspired by nature itself."
The women exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued despite themselves.
Collet continued, "I can stand for hours without discomfort, and I don't feel as though I'm suffocating under layers of fabric and boning. Why should we sacrifice comfort for style when we can have both?"
One of the women hesitated before speaking. "May I... feel the fabric?"
"Of course," Collet said, extending her arm.
The noblewoman ran her fingers over the soft material, her eyes widening. "It's so light. And yet, it doesn't seem fragile."
Another woman stepped closer, examining the dress's intricate floral pattern. "It's exquisite. Where can I get one?"
Collet's smile deepened. "The Astoria family has just launched this line. If you act quickly, you might be able to place an order before they're overwhelmed."
By the end of the evening, Collet was surrounded by eager nobles, all clamoring for details about the dress. What began as quiet whispers had transformed into an excited buzz.
---
Back at the Astoria Estate
Thalia was in the middle of sketching a new design when Lady Elira entered the room, her expression unreadable.
"You might want to prepare yourself," Elira said.
Thalia looked up, confused. "What do you mean?"
"The orders," Elira replied. "They've started pouring in."
Thalia blinked, then broke into a grin. "Really?"
Elira nodded. "Collet wore the dress to the banquet. It was a success."
Thalia sat back, her heart swelling with pride. The floral dress was just the beginning—and she was ready for whatever came next.