Chapter 220: You Are Not The Only One!
The small bell above the door chimed as Olivia stepped into the familiar salon.
The shopkeeper, Madame Corielle, looked up with a warm—if slightly surprised—smile. "Lady Olivia! It’s been some time. Please, come in. I did not expect the lady to return this early. Are you here lookin for a new dress or you want changes in the dress you brought two days ago?"
"I needed a change," Olivia said smoothly, her tone calm despite the whirlwind inside her. "I want another striking dress for the reception. Something in red again, bloody red."
Corielle blinked, but nodded quickly. "Of course, my lady. Right this way."
Olivia let herself be led to the back, where a variety of gowns were brought out—velvet, satin, sheer, silk—each more extravagant than the last. As Corielle and a younger assistant helped her into one gown after another, Olivia kept her senses heightened. She was sure the maid had informed the Cloindoreis already.
Or their spies had noticed her alone in the carriage. She had come here without any escort or knight. If they wanted her blood by tomorrow, it was the perfect opportunity.
She stayed by the window, turned just enough that she could see her reflection and the street behind her in the glass. The market square was alive with vendors shouting, horses clopping, noblewomen laughing beneath parasols. But no one is suspicious.
She looked back at the assistant. The naive girl was noting the measurements and detail of the gown Olivia had made halfheartedly.
"Corielle returned with a matching cloak. "You’ve always had such refined taste, Lady Olivia. Is there an occasion?"