"How can I help you today?" Veerle questioned.
The duke didn't even bother to answer her question. He just looked over at Lysandra with his single eyebrow raising up, as if insisting for her to speak up. "Uhm I—I require some dresses. The North is a lot colder than I expected. I need at least one new dress for my return to the capital. Do you have anything that would fit the imperial standards?" Lysandra stated. Veerle put her hands on her hips and looked confused.
"Imperial standards? Well, I'm not quite sure what is meant by that. But feel free to have a look around. As for the other dresses, that can be arranged. How many dresses do you require?" Veerle questioned with a smile.
Unsure as to how much a dress would cost, Lysandra was unsure of her budget. She and the duke hadn't spoken about her dowry or allowance at all. Heck, besides those few sentences the day before, they hadn't spoken ever. She still had some of her own money, given by her father. It would be enough to cover the costs of at least three dresses back home. That would leave her with little money for emergencies. "One in imperial standards preferably in the colours red, white or gold, and two dresses to last the winter cold." Lysandra said with a small smile.
The seamstress frowned for a short moment and then gave the duke a quick glare. "Two dresses, milady? That simply won't do, ten at least! About three for outside and seven to stroll around inside." There was a kind smile on the other woman's face. "I'm sure we will be able to come up with something that will be suitable for the empire, please." She gestured for Lysandra to follow her. Leaving the duke behind, Lysandra followed the seamstress to the back of the store.
"While usually I just make the uniforms for everyone and some other clothes, I do love some big dresses." The woman pulled back a curtain revealing richly decorated dresses in a variety of colours. While the ones that looked extra cosy were clearly to be worn outside there were also some ball gowns on mannequins. "Blue and silver is usually what is preferred here, but we also have a variety of reds. They are especially popular this time of year with the Autumn Ball approaching." Walking back farther there was an entire row of red dresses.
Beautiful, every single design was unlike anything Lysandra had ever seen before. The dresses looked so different from the capital. But they were stunning to say the least. She had a look at the displayed blue and silver dress. With just a simple colour switch she would be able to wear it to the Empire without anyone commenting on it too much. Still ten dresses? She wasn't able to afford that. Turning to the seamstress she spoke. "Veerle, I very much appreciate all of this, I do however think ten dresses is not within my budget." Lysandra confessed feeling quite awkward since back home she had never even considered buying this many dresses all at once.
Veerle gasped slightly. "Oh milady, please, don't worry about any of that. The duke has more money than he could ever count or need." She offered a soft smile. "Don't you worry about the budget, I'll handle his grace. Please go look at which ones you like best. I suggest starting with what you like to wear inside then work your way up to the dress for the capital. If you want I can also add some undergarments, since you didn't arrive with too many clothes." Veerle's voice was warm and kind. "Now just pick what you like and let me deal with the rest." The seamstress gently gave Lysandra a little push. "I'll give you some space. Call if you want to try things on, I will assist you."
Blushing embarrassedly as Veerle spoke of her undergarments, it was clear that Tara had spoken about her. Not that any of it was untrue. She didn't have many undergarments with her, considering the limited trunk space and how much space had been taken up by her dresses. Lysandra decided to browse. She walked by the racks of dresses, most of them looked warm and comfy enough for the northern weather. The dresses were constructed of different materials to what she was used to. Even inside dresses looked lavisher but they were all in the colours blue and white/silver, just like Veerle had mentioned.
Lysandra selected a few dresses from the rack that intrigued her and draped them over a chair next to the fitting room. From the corner of her eye she spotted the rack of red dresses Veerle had mentioned. They were for something called the Autumn ball. Tara had mentioned it was a big deal in the North, Lysandra herself had never heard of the event. She continued to make her way through the dresses, her gaze was pulled towards a bright red dress. The dress had a split that started at the upper thigh revealing so much skin it would be deemed scandalous back in the capital. The top part was a cold shoulder, no sleeves, just a single strap going over one shoulder to keep the dress up. It was as stunning as it was scandalous.
Lysandra could hear soft footsteps approaching behind her. "Oh!" Veerle sounded both surprised and happy. Realising she still had the revealing dress in her hands Lysandra panicked and quickly put it back where she had found it. "Oh my, no, no milady, please do try that one on! I'm sure it will look stunning on you." Veerle passed Lysandra and pulled the dress from the rack again. The seamstress didn't seem to take no for an answer. The woman walked over to the fitting room.
"Here milady. I'll help you get dressed." The dress hung from the wall, displayed in full. It was a lovely dress. The craftsmanship was praiseworthy. "I will leave you to undress. The red dress has buttons from the side. Put it on and just call for me if you need help, milady." With a smile the seamstress closed the door and left Lysandra to change.
What just— What just happened!? Lysandra panicked.
Screaming in her mind while looking at the dress on the wall beside her. It was stunning, yes. But she couldn't wear something like that! What if– Lysandra calmed down realising something, there was nobody here who seemingly cared. She had seen similar dresses like this on the racks and even one on the mannequins. Besides, she could just try it on and then hang it back afterwards. Lysandra made up her mind, undressed and stepped into the red dress. As she pulled it up she realised her current undergarments were showing. Biting down on her lips she hesitantly reached to her back unhooking her bra. With her bra unhooked the dress fit better. Lydandra buttoned up the side swiftly. The dress fit her like a glove.
Lysandra felt her heart beating rapidly. She stuck her head out of the curtain and waved Veerle over. "Do– Do you have a mirror?" Lysandra questioned. Veerle quickly nodded. "Yes, just outside." She pointed just beside the fitting room. "Step out, milady, I'm sure it looks lovely on you." Hesitantly Lysandra stepped out, exposing herself to Veerle.
"Here, stand where I am." The seamstress smiled brightly. Lysandra stood in front of the mirror hesitantly and turned to face herself. She didn't dare to look up. With a deep breath she looked at herself in full. The dress was as form fitting as she had already felt. It looked as if it was made for her. Every seam was perfectly tailored, complementing her figure. The dress still reached the floor even with Lysandra's tall stature.
"Fits like a glove! Milady, how does the dress make you feel?"
Feel? Lysandra wondered. She had never been asked that question when fitting a dress. Her reflection was staring back at her, cheeks flushing slightly red with how much skin was revealed. Sexy? Was that the word she was looking for? "Pretty. I mean the dress is very pretty." Lysandra muttered softly and turned her body so she could have a look at the back of the dress. "But I should change, I can't wear this in the capital." Her voice sounded rushed, afraid someone else besides Veerle might see her.
"Oh whyever not, milady? You look stunning and that is not just because of the dress." Veerle was still smiling. "And when you feel good in a dress, you'll be radiant. I think that that is what this dress does for you. I'm sure—"
"Veerle about—"
The sound of a heavy book dropping to the floor sounded behind them. Lysandra and Veerle quickly turned to the source of the sound. A half eaten apple rolled over the floor stopping at Lysandra's feet. Looking up she faced the duke. Her heart stilled for a moment. The duke had entered the room clearly to ask Veerle a question, now he stood at the entrance of the room with a book at his feet. Frozen in his tracks. The duke quickly moved only to cover his mouth, for whatever reason he seemed angry. Lysandra was ready to apologise when the man without uttering a single word, turned his heels and walked out of the dress shop.
Veerle didn't seem too concerned and was clearly still smiling. She walked over and bent down to get the book and the half eaten apple. "Ah the accounts." She remarked but then turned back to Lysandra. "That was a good thing." The seamstress was still grinning. "If you like the dress, wear it, the duke won't be opposed to it. I'm sure."
"Ah- no, no, it's ok I'll just get those dresses over there that should be plenty. I'll figure out something else for the capital." Lysandra rushed into the fitting room. Quickly taking off the dress and changing back into her own.
Lysandra thanked Veerle once more for the dresses she had picked out. Veerle informed her that the dresses would be delivered to the estate. The duke wasn't even inside the store anymore at this point. She could see the man standing outside through the window, his back facing the window. Awkwardly leaving the store as she walked up to him. "I got some dresses, should we head back?" she questioned.
The duke seemed flustered but didn't give much of a direct answer. "How about a bite in the pub?"
Lysandra blinked and had to double take what she just heard.
"The pub?!"