Chapter 9

There were only so many places that I could comfortably inhibit.

A handful of pubs and taverns will allow me in, even less shops and salons. It's a reality that I’ve quickly learned to live with. The anger that was once there has now simmered to the occasional annoyance. Knowing that there was nothing I could do about the way people behave around me, I kept my head low and learned to ignore.     

The whispers would follow, to which I would disregard. 

I would dismiss the obvious snubs and sneers, respectfully of course. 

I wasn’t dumb enough to be outright rude.  

I could be killed for doing less. Not a day goes by that I fear breathing next to the wrong person, let alone mustering up the courage of being rude. 

As I peered through the windows, being mindful of the crowd bustling around me and the employees eyeing me in the stores, a dress has caught my eye. It was a gorgeous floor length gown, a lovely blend of soft cream and pastel green. The sleeves were a lighter shade of green, puffy and nearly see through. Tiny tulips scattered all throughout the semi-sheerish bottom. 

It's been a while since I’ve splurged on myself. With a comfortable pile of coins stashed away, it wouldn’t hurt to buy something on a whim. 

Making my way inside the shop, returning the loud greeting with my own low mumbles, I quickly began to browse through the dresses. There was a group of women surrounding the one I had my eye on.

Not wanting to go near the flock of white women, I decided to roam around the shop. As much as I adored dresses, I also admired a fab pair of heels. Sleek pumps with a long heel were the type that I favored.  

I slowly roamed through their selections, occasionally picking up a pair that caught my eye while keeping an eye on the women that surrounded my dress. I’ve settled on a pair of white pumps, a sleek toe-box and a thin, long heel. 

It was simple and classy, but not exactly what I was looking for. 

Not only would it not go with the dress I want, the shade of white was ghastly. The tint of gray made the white look horrible ashy. A color that I have no desire to wear on my body.   

I put down the heels with a frown.       

“Are you looking for anything specific ma’am?”

Spooked from the sudden heel sleuth interruption, I turned towards the woman that spoke. Her smile was sweet, lips painted in a shade of bright red that most women from this town like to wear. Brown eyes darted over to the shoes I was looking at before settling back onto me. 

“I really like that dress over there.” I answered, pointing towards the one I saw in the window. The women weren’t really admiring it, mostly talking as a few stroked the sleeves and picking at the fabric. “I’m just waiting for those ladies to finish is all.”

“That’s just a display. I have a few in the back if you're interested in buying.”

“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble.”

“Nonsense!” She grinned, “It's my job to assist all those who shop here. Money is money, afterall.” Locking her arm around mine, the worker dragged me towards a different room. She guided me towards a chair, “Sit right here. I’ll be right back with a dress for you.”

I glanced at her name tag. “Thank you, Brynn.”

Brynn paused, glancing back at me in confusion. She was surprised by my politeness. Probably not used to such a thing in the field she works. 

She’s another face in the crowd to most people. To me, it was an opportunity to gain another access to this shop. Being polite can go a long way. Who knows the things I could gain just because I flashed the right person a smile.  

Brynn blinks, “You're welcome.”

I smiled.

The room was quite big. Around ten stalls littered down the right side, covered in thick burgundy curtains. On the left laid the door to the rest of the shop and an assortment of body length mirrors. The floors were sleek, polished to the point where I could see my reflection in the floor. I flashed myself a grin before letting my gaze wander again. The chairs they had scattered around looked as uncomfortable as they felt. The tiny tables that decorated the room hold no real purpose other than decoration.  

All in all, it was a nice room. 

Not the fanciest, but I’m sure it could appease a lowly lord's daughter.