Chapter 187: Store
I glance at the store attendant as he carefully packs what must be the hundredth shirt. The pile of clothes on the counter has grown so high it’s starting to feel excessive, but Thorne did tell me to splurge a little, so who am I to argue? This is, after all, the finest clothing store in all of Vitra—or so they say. Judging by the sheer size of the place and the meticulous detail in every design, I’m inclined to believe it.
I try not to pay much attention to the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo browsing the fancy dresses nearby. Their voices are an endless stream of chatter, occasionally breaking into laughter as they hold up extravagant gowns for one another. It’s sweet, in a way, but not something I’m interested in. Instead, I wander the aisles, my attention caught by the vast array of options. I pick out anything that pleases me, and judging by the growing pile at the counter, that’s quite a lot.
I’m examining a particularly soft fabric when a different store attendant approaches. This time it’s a young man, his sharp uniform perfectly pressed, his manner calm but professional. There’s a certain gentleness to his demeanor, and I immediately wonder if he might be an omega. Not that I want to jump to conclusions, but it’s something about the way he carries himself—graceful yet unassuming.
"Greetings," he says with a polite bow, his voice light and pleasant.
How cute. I motion for him to stand straight, and he does, though a bit nervously. As he steps closer, I notice one of Thorne’s guards shift at the edge of my vision, clearly on alert. With a small motion of my finger, I silently tell him to stand down. There’s no threat here, just an attendant doing his job.
Leaning in slightly, the man lowers his voice to a whisper. "We have a special showing for... married omegas," he says, his tone conspiratorial, as though he’s letting me in on a secret.
I glance at him, puzzled for a moment, before I realize what gave me away—my collar. The realization makes me smile. "Alright," I say, curious now.
The man beams and motions for me to follow him. As we move toward the back of the store, I notice a glint on his finger—a wedding band. "Are you married too?" I ask, more out of politeness than anything.
He nods as we approach a door that, moments ago, I could’ve sworn was just a wall. "Yes, a year now. My alpha husband works under the Remiro dukedom as an official. I’ve heard about the Duchess’s son and his husband from my husband," he adds with a knowing smile.