I was staring out the window while my maids were taking my measurements for my dress. I gave complete creative control to the seamstress, my only requirements were to make me look irresistible. It was raining outside. I could hear the drops against the window ledge and I could feel how my body began to relax. I wished I could curl up in bed right at this moment, with tea beside me and a book. And just listen to the rain, let it comfort me.
"Thank you, mistress" The voice of the maid pulled me back from the daydream. I let my arms fall to my sides as I slowly blinked, returning to the present and gave her a small smile. She then hurried off as I walked closer to the window, sitting down at the ledge. The leaves always became greener when it was raining. I couldn't stop smiling.
A few days later I got a letter from the seamstress, asking me to come to her shop and try on the dress. So I did. When I arrived in the city, it was finally filled with people. But a lingering bitterness stayed. As I passed by the folk I heard them whispering about Feyre, the High Lord and the future. Already scheming, already displeasure. We were set free of the curse not long ago. But there was still no order. I blocked off the sounds when I arrived at the seamstress. When I opened the door, I was met by beautiful dresses. I could see the love and care she put into each design.
"Nezrin!" She emerged from the counter with a smile. Her hair was like chestnuts and her eyes were like the deep forest.
"Aurora, how are you?"
"Excited for work. Now that the courts and other fae are throwing parties and celebrating again I can create so many elegant pieces."
"You sure have worked a lot, all of these are new…" Of course, they were. All the old ones were ruined. I could see the sadness flash across her eyes as she also remembered all of the masterpieces she was so proud of. She made my mask as well. Something I could never grow to hate. Not when she made it with so much love and care. The others were not too happy about it, wanting to chop her hands off.
"Now come! I worked on your dress day and night and I'm dying to see it on you" She grabbed my arm and pulled me inside another room where there was only one dress. My dress. She held my arm for a while and I felt how my heart began to speed. But she quickly let go and walked towards the dress. I took that as a cue to take off my current one and she slid on me the new one. Her hands moved to button the dress and fasten the corset, being careful not to touch me. I remember when she measured me for the first time, how close she got, how intimate it was. But as I looked at her expression I knew she was only focused on work.
"Aurora…"
"Go ahead! Take a look!" She completely ignored me as she gestured towards the mirror. I walked towards it and took in the dress. It was white and blue, form-fitting and out of lace. The sleeves were beautiful and the collar was up towards my neck.
"I made a cape to go with it as well since it's the winter court we're talking about. The colour palette matches theirs but the lace design is… Roses. Your favourite." I ran my hands carefully over the dress, feeling the lace pattern. I turned around to face her, walking closer to her.
"It's beautiful." I didn't stop moving towards her and I felt her firm hand above my chest.
"Nezrin…" Her eyes didn't meet mine. She sighed as she slowly looked up at me, giving me her professional smile.
"I'm glad your mask is finally off. It must have been a hassle" Except it wasn't really. But she didn't need to know that. I slowly backed away from her and looked back towards the mirror. I still get surprised when I see my face again.
"I'll have a maid pick it once it's done" She helped me take off the dress and we went back into the store area where I paid her for the dress.
"I'd like to invite you for dinner sometime." I blurted out. I could see the nervous smile on her face as she averted her gaze again.
"Nezrin… You know I can't… I-"
"As friends." A sigh escaped her lips as she placed her hands flat on the counter.
"I'll think about it. But don't get your hopes up, please? You're a cherished customer. But I can't give you what you're looking for." The words customer stung. Before the curse… I remember I was more than a customer. But I guess it will never go back to how it was.
"Alright." I wanted to say something more but I knew I would say something I would regret. I sealed my mouth shut and walked out, hurrying towards my carriage. She's just my… Seamstress now.
The day of the ball finally arrived. I took a nice long bath in the morning. My maids spoiled me with scrubbing my skin, herb tea and fixing my hair. When it was time to put on the dress I felt clean, irresistible and smooth. They made my hair and placed white flowers, matching my dress. They painted my face, my lips red. When I looked into the mirror I saw a confident woman. Everything matched perfectly and I had a hard time looking away from the mirror.
By the time we left, it was early afternoon. I bought two books with me to read on the journey. Thinking about Aurora was still painful, wearing her dress doesn't sit right. Sighing I stared out from the window, thinking back. How I felt her hands roam around me once. How she brushed her hand against my cheek. Giving me so many hints. And yet, it doesn't matter anymore. Now that the curse is over, now that I can finally express love for her too. I closed my eyes, trying to wipe the memories out of my mind. I hope I can find someone who will cherish me in ways she can't. Someone who will see me as more than a cherished customer.
