"What?" I asked, confused.
Evander stood by the doorway of my room, motionless, his eyes narrowing as if silently analyzing the entirety of my life in that still moment.
He met my gaze briefly, "Let's get going," he said curtly.
He turned around and began to walk away. I felt my fragile grip on reason snap in two, leaving me disoriented and helplessly irritated.
I took a deep breath to calm myself and followed him outside the mansion to the main gate, where he stood beside an astonishingly grand carriage. It wasn't just large it was lavishly adorned with intricate gold embellishments, exuding an air of luxury that caught my breath.
He extended his hand, silently asking for mine to help me into the carriage.
"I won't ride that." I firmly said.
Kill me now. I rather die than ride that thing. It's embarrassing, like I'm advertising some wealth that I don't possess.
Evander's gaze met mine, steady but then something shifted his usually stoic expression faltered, and he cleared his throat awkwardly, as if caught off guard.
Why is he acting like this?
I turned and saw Dennis, one of House Graham's knights and my guard knight, standing nearby.
"Get us another carriage," I ordered with quiet authority.
Dennis hesitated for a brief moment, uncertainty flickering across his face, but he nodded and promptly set about fulfilling the command.
As Dennis strode away to arrange the new carriage, I glanced back at Evander, who still stood by the grand coach with an unusual tension in his stance. He seems angry.
Is this a death flag?
Moments later, Dennis returned, leading a smaller, more modest carriage that lacked the gilded extravagance of the first. Its simpler design suited me better, and I allowed myself a faint sigh of relief.
Evander and I exchanged looks before he gestured once again, offering his hand. This time, there was no hesitation, no unease only the familiar firmness of his resolve. As I settled into the humbler carriage, I caught a fleeting softness in his eyes before he resumed his vigilant watch.
The carriage moved steadily along the road, the gentle bumps blending with my restless thoughts. Evander sat across from me, his gaze fixed on the passing landscape, never once spared me a glance.
Seconds turned into minutes, then an hour. The ride was longer than I had expected, and before I realized it, I had drifted off to sleep.
When I woke, the carriage was still. I blinked slowly, expecting to find my head resting against the window, but to my surprise, Evander sat beside me instead, his eyes watching me quietly.
"We have arrived," he said.
I sat up straight, steadying myself as the carriage door opened. Evander rose and stepped outside, standing by the doorway with his hand extended towards me, a silent invitation to follow.
"Thank you." I said, accepting his hand.
As I stepped out, the bustling streets greeted me. Crowds weaving through narrow alleys, merchants calling out their products, and the lively pulse of the capital's heart unfolding all around.
Evander then guided me through the crowd until we reached a grand boutique nestled between towering stone buildings. Its windows shimmered with displays of luxurious fabrics and glittering jewels.
The knight accompanying us pushed open the heavy door, and Evander entered first, followed closely by me. The moment we stepped inside, everyones eyes turned toward us. The weight of their gazes pressed heavily in the air, making the space feel small and suffocating.
"Your grace, my lady." A man greeted us, warmly. "Welcome to Etoile Couture. Please allow me to show you the way."
I nodded in acknowledgment. The man then led us up a grand staircase to the second floor, guiding us toward a spacious room filled with rows of white and wedding dresses that shimmered softly under the warm light. We stepped inside, and Evander and I took seats side by side, while the knight remained standing behind Evander.
... Then, what happened now?
My mind is full of questions, while my heart is in turmoil. I had never been in a situation like this. In my previous life as a college student, I had never been in a relationship. I had never been engaged. I had never been with a man shopping for a dress, much less an engagement dress.
Evander's calm presence beside me was a stark contrast to the storm inside. I glanced at him, searching for some clue to what lay ahead, but his expression was unreadable guarded, determined, and unexpectedly patient.
I couldn't bear the silence and growing curiosity, "Hey, what happens now? Do I look around and pick a dress?" I asked him seriously.
He met my gaze, "I do not know." he replied casually.
The door opened, and a matured woman and gentleman entered, both wearing bright, excited smiles. Behind them, staff rolled in a clothing rack laden with luxurious white dresses, some shimmering with delicate beadwork, others soft and voluminous with layers of delicate fabric.
"Greetings, Your Grace, Lady Graham." they all greeted in unison as they stopped before us.
I was about to stand and returned their bow but stopped mid-way when I saw Evander and remembered what I had read in the book that was presented to me by Zilda. So rather that continuing to rose I fixed my posture instead and smiled as I met with their gaze.
I began to rise to return their bow but paused midway, I glance at Evander then recalled a memory from the book Zilda had given me surfaced. Instead of standing, I adjusted my posture, lifted my chin, and met their gazes with a soft smile.
The woman turned to Evander, "As per Madame Valios's request, please have a look at our collection," she said, handing him a catalogue with a knowing, almost cunning smile.
Evander never spared her a glance, his eyes fixed outside the window, his brow furrowing as usual. He took the catalogue without expression, then silently passed it to me. Without hesitation, I accepted it.
"Oh, my lady, please feel free to browse through it and let us know if there is anything you would like to alter or any dress that catches your eye," the woman encouraged warmly. "And call me Madame Moire, my lady."
I returned her smile softly. "Alright," I replied.
Opening the catalogue, I began to scan its pages as madame Moire took a seat across from me. Meanwhile, the gentleman she had arrived with busied himself arranging the dresses they had brought in, preparing the selections for my consideration.
Every dress was gorgeous but it was excessively extravagant. I expected the collection to be filled with those big, fluffy dresses with exaggerated shapes, but there weren't any. Instead the collection was more understated and elegant than I had imagined.
While scanning the catalogue, I noticed Evander's eyes fixed intently on me. I turned to look at him and saw his posture relaxed, his back leaning loosely against the armrest, that familiar frown still resting on his face.
I can't read his mind. What is it that he want right now?
"Do want to choose with me?" I said, not a question but as an offer.
Evander's eyes met mine steadily, a faint flicker of surprise crossing his features beneath the perpetual frown.
"I will," he replied quietly.
As I returned to browsing the catalogue, Evander leaned in beside me, his eyes quietly following my gaze. He never spoke a word, his presence steady yet distant. I continued scanning the pages until I found a gown that captured my attention, a long, elegantly fitted bodice adorned with delicate floral lace tracing the neckline.
A smile escaped my lips. "I like this one," I said, "But could you make it with a slit?"
At once, every pair of eyes turned to me, their brows knitting together in confusion. Madame Moire's expression shifted to stunned disbelief.
"A slit, my lady?" She asked, her voice tinged with surprise and uncertainty.
I swallowed, feeling their gazes press upon me like a tangible weight. "Yes- actually no, please forget about that." I said, trying to steady my voice.
Right then, I felt utterly foolish. How could I have even suggested such a thing? The embarrassment was suffocating. Who would dare ask for a slit on an engagement dress. In this freaking era?
I glanced on Evander to see his reaction. He looked genuinely confused, lost in thought, his usual stoic demeanor softened by uncertainty.
What had I done? What if they think I'm witch? I'll be burned at the stake for such a daring request?
I laughed awkwardly, forcing a confidence I did not quite feel. "No," I said firmly, locking eyes with Madame Moire, "I want the dress exactly as it is. No alterations, exactly like that."
Madame Moire smiled warmly, "As you wish, my lady. Now, it is time to select a suit worthy of His Grace."
She then presented me with a catalogue of men's attire. Just as Evander had done, I accepted the volume and passed it to him. Yet, instead of taking it, he simply stared at me.
"You choose for me," he said with a faint frown, creasing his brow. "I have little skill when it comes to such matters."
But I don't want to. I want to tell him that but those words could cause me more than what I was willing to risk, perhaps and arm or an ear. So instead, I opened the catalogue, browsing through its pages, and after a few moments, I selected a white uniform adorned with soft, elegant details.
"This one seems fitting," I said. "Alter it slightly to match my dress."
That will do.
I let out a breath of relief, believing the ordeal was over. I was wrong. After Madame Moire, Mister Noel introduced himself, and then the hard part began.
He took my measurements with meticulous care, each touch sending a jolt through me. The process was exhaustive and intrusive, he pressed and adjusted the fabric against my skin, demanding everything be perfect. Sweat formed on my brow as he quietly muttered comments and instructions, his gaze firm and focused. It was as if my very worth was measured in inches and seams.
The whole thing took an hour, but it felt like ten years had passed. I don't know why, but it was incredibly tiring.
After I finished, it was Evander's turn. His measurements took nearly twenty minutes, barely enough time for a single round of coffee.
"Is it finally time to head back home?" I asked.
Evander turned to me, his usual frown lingering. "Not yet. We must first attend the jeweler's workshop. But for now, we shall make a brief stop to take our midday meal," he replied.
After leaving the boutique, we walked a short distance before stopping at an elegant establishment, the Great Hall, as he called it. Upon entering, we were met with the curious and prying eyes of nobles and servers, their gazes following our every step as a server guide us to an empty table.
After finally settling into our seats, the server handed Evander and me menus. My eyes did not linger on the dishes themselves, but rather on the prices listed beside them which is freaking expensive, far beyond what I could afford. I had not been given an allowance, nor do I possess any money of my own, despite owning a business.
"What do want to eat?" Evander asked.
I stared at him for a moment, my gaze making him visibly uncomfortable. In the end, I decided to place my trust in this wealthy companion of mine.
"Orange juice, steak and salad," I answered, "With puddings for dessert."
Evander ordered the same, and the dishes arrived quickly. We ate in companionable silence, savoring the meal before us. When we finished, we departed the hall and walked a short distance, eventually arriving at the jeweler's workshop.
At the door of the jeweler's workshop, the heavy wooden door creaked open on iron hinges. Inside, the warm smell of polished wood and metal filled the air, mixed with the soft sounds of tools working. The room was full of shiny gemstones lying on velvet-covered trays and craftsmen carefully shaping gold and silver into fine jewelry.
As with every other store we had visited, everyones eyes were fixed for us. But this time, Evander let out a sharp, unhappy sigh, and everyone quickly went back to what they were doing.
Then, a man with a neatly trimmed beard and sharp eyes stepped forward to greet us. "Welcome, Your Grace, Lady Graham," he said respectfully. "I am Master Leoric, jeweler. Please tell me what you seek, and I will help you find it."
Evander nodded and stepped forward, "We are here to adjust and alter these rings." He said.
He opened a red velvet ring case to reveal two sets of rings. The first was a silver band carved with delicate vines and silver flowers, accented by soft pink diamonds, topped with a round pink gem that shimmered like a dewdrop. The second pair was a slim silver band with bolder, sharper lines, twisting vine carvings crossed the band, decorated with diamond accents that sparkled like stardust, and the same smaller flower designs as the first set.
Both the jeweler and I were in awe, the rings were exquisite works of art, blending delicate craftsmanship with natural beauty.
Master Leoric broke the silence, "These are The Fairy Tears of Love. A truly fine choices, Your Grace." He said, unable to believe, "What kind of alteration would you wish to make?"
Evander then reached into his pocket and produced another small jewel case, which he handed to Master Leoric. Curious, I leaned closer to see its contents. The jeweler opened it carefully to reveal a coin-sized green stone that shimmered with a deep, radiant hue.
"D-dresden green..." he muttered, a hint of awe in his voice.
Is it a diamond? It certainly seemed so, judging by the stunned expression on the jeweler's face. Evander is amazing, that probably worth a millions.
Evander and Master Leoric continued their discussion about the alterations, their voices low and focused. Unable to contain my growing boredom, I wandered around the workshop, admiring the jewels displayed in ornate cases. As I examined a sparkling collection, a seller approached me with a warm smile.
"Would you like to see these pieces, my lady?" she asked kindly.
I was about to respond when the workshop door swung open, and a tall noble lady with striking long blue hair stepped inside. As she slowly removed her cream-colored hat, her piercing purple eyes flashed like amethysts in the light, commanding the room's undivided attention.
Ipomoea...?