Velvet Ribbon Novels & Stories

Ember Theatrics are a language when it comes to Lazriel. The first sign is so blatant I almost laugh. Almost. A servant has left my dressing table rearranged. Not cleaned or organized. It was curated. My jewelry is laid out in a precise spiral, each piece angled deliberately, obsidian ring, velvet choker, silver cuff, onyx pin, ending with a single silver bracelet, upon closer inspection I see that is a serpent eating its own tail, the symbol of the Velvet Coil, placed dead center.

And fabric. Elion dug through the pile. Velvet (too heavy). Burlap (death sentence). He found it. A bolt of satin. Deep crimson. It was used for draping models. Smooth. Cool. Liquid. "Found it," Elion shouted, holding it up like a trophy. "Satin. Red, but satin." He ran back to the couch. He threw the fabric over the rough tweed, tucking it into the cushions, creating a pool of red smoothness.

She didn't blink. "I wouldn't use silk for Elena," Maya said smoothly, matching Vivienne’s aristocratic rhythm. "Silk is too fragile. It tears. I’d paint her in heavy, dark velvet—the kind that absorbs the shadows but still catches the candlelight. It looks cold from a distance, but it holds warmth if you actually touch it." Vivienne went entirely still for a fraction of a second, completely captivated by the answer. Then, a radiant, dangerous smile broke across her face.

“Now for the ceremonial robes. These will mark you, Luna. Wear them with strength and purpose.” I followed her silently, feeling both weightless and heavy at once, a strange fire coiling in my chest. My hands were clammy, but I didn’t dare pull them away; I trusted them, though I still wasn’t sure I trusted myself. They dressed me in the Velkorin robes… soft, flowing fabric of deep crimson trimmed with gold. The material brushed my skin, clinging in some places, falling loose in others, and it carried an intoxicating scent of incense and iron. Every fold, every stitch, seemed designed to honor the power.

I felt my knees shaking so I gripped the railings for support. "Hmmm... the dress looks... good... but too revealing." I don't know if it's just me or his voice sounds so rough and... hot. I mentally castigated myself for my choice of words. "Nereza chose this for me," I told him after composing myself. He gasped shorty when I felt something cold touch my skin. My hands touched it and my mouth parted in awe when I realized what it was. It's a necklace with a crescent moon pendant!

“You’re really doing this metaphors thing.” “Just until you fire me.” He remarked, sliding along the rack. “Silk organza for volume without weight… a shot of Mikado if you want structure… and-” He quickly drew out a bolt of midnight velvet fabric in the air. One that looked so good you can’t help but gawk. “This is for the one look you’ll pretend not to care about while secretly knowing it’s the showstopper.” Mae touched it, star struck. “We’ll need horsehair braid for hems if we want a sweep, Madam.”

She giggled and raised the gown from it's hanger. I had designed it myself but somehow, I was amazed when the tailor was done. I had chosen crimson velvet to signify my bloodline and authority. The sleeves where long and flowing, ending with silver cuffs. The bodice designed with silver embroidery that formed the shakes of wolves, forest and the moon if you look close enough. Celine helped me wear the gown. As I felt the weight of my leather belt around my waist with my daggers in them, I straightened my spine and leveled my shoulders.

Of course, I know there are a few protests going on, but they are tiny compared to the festivities. I had ordered a wonderful dress, it has a V-neckline, but with a corset to support my breasts and make them more contoured, with slightly thicker straps, a small ribbon around the waist and a pinker skirt with an opening on the left leg. What's most striking is the print, which is in the watercolor style with the colors of the rainbow.

Victoria needed every inch of her to be defined, and to add a deep neckline. “What color does she like?” “She likes royal blue.” Suddenly, Valentine’s fingers stopped on a royal blue laced fabric. It was an Organza, a thin, plain weave, sheer fabric traditionally made from silk. It was a baby doll slip dress, with bell sleeves. Valentine presumed it would reach down to her mid-thigh. It had a ribbon made of satin, attached from behind. It was a deep V neckline, reaching an inch just above the wearer’s belly button. She brought it in front of him in the air, introducing the beautiful dress. “Will this do? Can you picture her out while wearing this?”

She walked with Mira to the section that had velvet silk and asked the lady at the counter to show them the finest velvet silk. “Which color?” “Royal Purple.” Mira had a picture in her head of what she wanted to do. “You heard the lady.” Almera sat back in one of the chairs while the lady showed Mira the various colors; Mira spotted the color she wanted and pointed towards it “That one… I want that…” “Madam, that is slightly expensive.” The lady hesitated as she spoke in a muffled voice. Her intention was not to insult but she didn’t think Mira could afford that.