Chapter sixty-seven: To the Opera
The sound of a light knock woke me from a dreamless sleep. I opened my eyes, mildly disoriented and looked around. Evening shadows crept across the room, leaving a soft glow. I must have slept away the majority of the day. Another knock sounded – making me sigh. Probably Alora.
"Come in." I yawned, covering my mouth.
The door pushed open and, as predicted, Alora walked in – dress in hand, heels dangling from her right hand. "Good evening, my lady. It's time to make ready for the Opera."
"Leave the clothes, I can get myself ready." I twisted, tossing my legs over the bed.
"That won't do, my lady." She smiled, showing all her teeth. "I have to make you pretty."
"Of course you do." I stood up, stretching. I really need to snap her out of this, she's getting more and more creepy.
Alora motioned me forward and began stripping me before my sluggish mind had a chance to react. The only plus side was she removed my clothing and dressed me quicker than I would have done on my own. As she sat me down, I scanned the evening gown, absently.
The fabric was a dark blue, that resembled a twilit sky. Silver specks littered across it, giving it an illusion of stars. Hopefully Madam Poshlyn didn't add in anything weird this time.
Alora finished my hair and began to apply the makeup, humming something under her breath. A few moments later, she stepped back satisfied and to the center of the room.
"Come sit." She turned, lifting the heels she had apparently left by the bed, and sank to a crouch. "A lady should put her shoes on when sitting comfortably in her bed."
"What?" I pivoted in my seat, staring at her. "Do you even hear the words you're speaking?"
"What...do you mean?" She tilted her head, wobbling slightly. "I don't understand, my lady."
"And you think I do?" I stood, brushing down the dress. Is there really even a point to arguing with her? "Just leave the room, Alora."
"Not until I shoe you!" She jerked sideways, falling back against the night stand. A squeak left her lips as her shoulder smacked against the corner. Confused, she turned, hitting the stand a second time.
"Honestly, what the hell are they doing to you?" I walked over, tugging her to her feet. "Just leave and tell them I'll be out in a moment."
"But the shoes-"
"Leave. Now. Don't make me repeat myself again." I pointed to the door with one hand while snatching the heels with the other.
"Okay, yes. I will!" She retreated quickly, offered an awkward bow, and disappeared out the door.
"It's like they took out her brain completely and dipped it in salt water." I muttered, bending over and sliding my feet into the dark blue heels.
I clasped them and began to stand – stopping when I saw the formerly locked door partially opened. Damn it. Did she hit it that hard?
I twisted my body, and reached for the handle, swearing. The knob had snapped in half, rendering it completely unusable. Great, now what the hell am I supposed to do? I pulled out the rose and the vial, glancing around the room. There's nowhere else I can put it, unless I somehow learn magic.
A soft knock came on the door, interrupting my thoughts. Instinctively, I moved my hands behind my back, concealing the items. "Yes? What is it?"
"Do you need me to retrieve you a shawl or perhaps an accessory?" Alora asked, popping her head in. "To match your dress. The outfit comes with a small bag and a thick shawl. I forgot to tell you!"
Did she even try to tell them I was almost ready? Her face had a bit of a flush, but she hadn't been gone long enough to tell Martin anything.
"No, why would I-" I broke off, as an idea struck me. It wasn't the best option, but it would be better than nothing. "Actually, yes. Get me the shawl and the bag."
"Right away. My lady. You look beautiful my lady." She grinned once more, slipping back out the door.
I suppressed a shiver, setting the rose and vial down on the bed. I grabbed the blanket, covering it as I waited. Several minutes passed by before Alora bound back in, shawl and bag in hand. She started insisting on helping me, but I managed to shove her out the door.
I quickly placed the shawl around my bare shoulders, and shoved the vial and rose into the bag, clasping it shut. This is probably a stupid idea. I thought, slipping on the bag, hiding it under my arm. Hopefully Justin doesn't try snooping or something. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the room.
The staff offered dopey smiles as I moved through the halls. Each one of them mirrored Alora's comment about me looking beautiful. The same type of phrasing and word choice was starting to make my ears bleed, by the time I reached the foyer.
In the center, Justin stood – checking his pocket watch. In the other hand, he leaned lazily against a decorative cane. Does he think that will make him more polished? It honestly looked ridiculous, but it was Justin afterall.
He didn't look up until I touched the bottom of the stairs. He turned his head, frowning as he scanned my clothing. His eyes lingered a fraction of a second too long on my chest. I pulled the shawl tighter, covering what I could and walked toward him.
"That dress is far too tight and far too flashy." He helped out his right arm, waiting for me to grab it. "In the coming days I will speak to another designer. Perhaps they can fix the clothing, but if not, they will make you a new set to wear."
There's nothing wrong with this dress – there's something wrong with you. I thought, sliding my hand into the crook of his arm.
On the way to the carriage, Justin continued to express how I showed too much skin and that a wife of House Blaine would need to be more fashionable and conservative. It was annoying beyond belief, but I kept silent.
Once we reached the carriage, Justin helped me in before climbing in awkwardly. The cane smacked twice against the entry way before he tugged it in. Eyes flashing, he claimed the seat across from me, clearing his throat.
"The show will be rather long," he leaned back, resting the cane in his lap. "During intermissions, I will be meeting with my peers. You will behave and mingle with their wives. I don't want you causing a scene."
What type of scene would I even make at an opera? I sat back, annoyed. Granted things keep happening to me regardless of what I do or don't do.
"It may be a daunting night, but I expect it to be fortuitous."
He began to chatter about his connections and how he was close to closing a deal. I half listened, and would have ignored him completely to space out the window, when a soft popping noise filled the carriage.
"I'm back." Sayvren announced, seconds before he appeared just over Justin's right shoulder. "This man smells like death." He pinched his nose with one hand and poked Justin's cheek.
Justin stiffened at the touch, cutting himself off, and waving a hand in the air. Sayvren floated back, missing Justin's hand by mere inches.
I shot a dirty look at the sprite, clenching my teeth. Why the hell is Sayvren here? I can't even tell him to stop or Justin will think I'm insane or become suspicious.
Justin continued chattering, while Sayvren stared down at him. Don't do anything, you stupid creature.
Despite my silent plea, Sayvren didn't even look my way. He lowered a hand, tugging on a piece of Justin's hair. Justin stopped speaking once more and reached up, patting his scalp.
"Is there a bug flying around in here?" Justin asked, tilting his head back.
"I'm not sure." I said slowly, shooting Sayvren a dirty look.
"How odd." Justin mumbled, rubbing his chin. "I must have them clean the carriage after we return. I detest bugs."
"I detest humans that smell as you do," Sayvren raised a hand again – planning to slap Justin.
"Don't!" I snapped.
Justin looked over at me, confused. "Don't? Don't what?"
"Uh, well...you see," Shit what am I supposed to say to that. I leaned forward, grabbing a frozen Sayvren out. "I apologize, there was a bug flying around you." I sat back down, pinning Sayvren to the seat – giving off the illusion I was leaning against it.
"Oh," Justin blinked a few times. "I see, but a lady must not swat at bugs."
"Am nut boog." Sayvren grumbled against my palm.
I squeezed his body lightly, enough to inform him to shut up. Justin, clearly unaware, continued to talk, explaining in detail how bugs are dirty and I would need to wash my hands once we arrive.
Sayvren continued to mumble snide comments the entire time. Between Justin's rambling and Sayvren's snide words – I wanted nothing more than to fall into a dark space and disappear. We hadn't even arrived yet and I was already exhausted.
I really hope nothing strange happens at the Opera.