Chapter Twenty Three - Seamstress chamber
LIORA
The corridors felt colder as I walked them alone, the remnants of Alistair’s harsh words lingering in my chest like thorns. I kept my gaze low, lips pressed tightly together, until I reached the double doors that led into the seamstress chamber. A maid bowed and let me in without a word.
The room was warm and fragrant with lavender oils, lit by soft lamps, and scattered with silks and velvets draped on mannequins. In the center, Kaira stood barefoot on top of a small platform in front of a tall mirror, arms stretched slightly as the royal seamstress made delicate adjustments to the bodice of her gown.
Her dress shimmered like stardust, a gradient of blush pink into soft gold, fitted perfectly to her slender frame.
Kaira caught my reflection before turning her head.
“You’re late,” she said without spite, her voice lilting with amusement. “They almost had to start without you. Scandalous, truly.”
I gave a small nod, folding my hands in front of her. “I was... held up.” I said
Kaira didn’t press further. “Well, you’re here now. Come, let Madi take your measurements next. I’ve nearly finished.”
The seamstress, a woman with clever eyes and nimble fingers, gave a kind smile and beckoned me forward once she stepped down.
As the seamstress worked around me, wrapping measuring tape around my waist and arms with quiet efficiency, Kaira lowered herself onto a cushioned settee nearby, folding her legs beneath her like a cat ready to purr.
“I love the ball,” she said dreamily, resting her chin on her palm. “It’s the one night this place doesn’t feel like a prison of politics and secrets. People laugh, they dance, and there’s music everywhere. Music that you can feel in your bones.”
I gave a small smile, still slightly tense under the seamstress’s hands. “I’ve never attended one before.”
Kaira blinked.
“Truly? How tragic.” Then she brightened again. “You’ll love it. The grand ballroom is lit by a thousand candles, and the chandeliers are dusted with crystal dust that reflects light like stars.”
I could imagine it: the dazzling lights and gilded walls, the sound of violins and murmuring laughter. It felt far away from the cold shadows of my chamber and the vision that haunted that mirror.
“Who will be there?” I asked, my voice quieter.
Kaira lifted a shoulder in a dainty shrug. “Most of the nobles, of course. Some delegates from allied kingdoms..." I cut in sharply.
"Including Lunvaris and Vaeloria"
"Hell no. Werewolves are not coming. They won't dare unless they want war. But as Vaeloria, I don't know these days witches are everywhere. Hiding. You don't know who is who." Her tone lightened up.
"Nevertheless, as I was saying, my father, naturally, would be there. Darius, Alistair—though I expect Alistair will skulk in a corner, scowling at anything that sparkles.”
She giggled. “Cassius, of course. He’ll probably be impossible to miss. He always draws a crowd. And Kieran...” She hesitated for a heartbeat, but I said, “He said he’ll be there."
"Really? It's been a while since I saw Kieran attending parties. Especially balls. No matter how you talk to him, he won't.”
"Why?" She locked her gaze into mine. "Kieran, as a little boy, he was treated so badly. He looks different now. Far from being that gentle boy he once was, he is now tough, indifferent, and nonchalant. That's why I was surprised at the last dinner we had."
"You mean you haven't seen his face since he was a little boy?"
"Yes. Surprise." She scoffed, "I wonder how Cassius got so close to him like that."
Silence stretched between us, but thoughts kept running through my mind.
"But I suppose we’ll see.” She broke the silence: "If he arrives at the ball without a mask,. I wish," she continued, "he had a pretty face." She smirked.
I looked down at her hands.
“And you?” I asked softly. “How will you act during the ball?”
Kaira’s eyes lit up with mischief. “Like a star. I intend to make every suitor in that hall lose their minds. I’ll wear diamonds in my hair and dance until dawn, and if anyone speaks of the prince’s coldness or your chains, I’ll make them regret it.” She said, blushing, and then I smirked.
Her words were light, but there was a sincerity beneath the gloss—Kaira meant to protect me in the only way she knew: with poise, charm, and distraction.
The seamstress stepped back, brushing her palms together. “Finished, my lady. The final fitting will be ready tomorrow.”
I gave her a soft thank you, then turned to Kaira.
“Thank you... for what you said.”
Kaira stood and offered a playful curtsy. “You’re part of the family now, like it or not. And I protect what’s mine.”
I'm starting to like Kaira.
"And Liora, make sure you look good that day. Not just for Kieran and also your enemies too," she mused.
"Alright," I smirked again.
As I left the chamber, trailing my fingers along the velvet-draped walls, my thoughts fluttered with uncertainty. About the ball. About the promise Kieran made. About the monster I saw in the mirror.