Sunlight streamed through the large windows of the salon as Dowayne Aliksandria nó Cereus lounged on a chaise, drinking wine with Marco Meridius, the Tiberian trader who would soon be taking her Second on a grand tour of the world. Standing in front of them, the object of their discussion and Marco’s affection, Petrea nó Cereus her arms held aloft as a tailor pinned the waist of a finespun wool gown in deep blue.
“The fabric will serve well in Alba, and the color brings out her eyes, does it not?” Aliks commented, refilling Marco’s glass.
He murmured an assent, a grin playing on his handsome face.
They were in the large salon of Aliks’s private apartments at Cereus House, supervising the creation of Petrea’s wardrobe for the long journey. At Aliks’s insistence, the finest couturier had been commissioned to come to Cereus House specially for the job.
Petrea frowned at herself in the full length mirror and met Aliks’s disapproving gaze.
“That’s an unflattering look on your face, my dear,” she scolded.
“I still don’t see why we had to bring the couturier here,” Petrea scoffed. “There is simply no reason that Marco and I couldn’t have gone to Le Designeur Royal ourselves.”
The Dowayne shook her head. “It would not be fitting of the Second of Cereus House. We must maintain the highest standards in all things. We do not simply walk into an atelier like anyone else and ask for an appointment. If the Second of Cereus House needs a gown, or a cloak, or a full traveling wardrobe – as you do – then the couturier will come to you.” She shrugged. “That’s all there is to it.”
Marco grinned. “And it’s not as if you don’t deserve to be treated with the utmost care and concern, my love. You should listen to your friend.”
“Why, I do believe you two are plotting against me!” Petrea teased.
“Hardly. We are plotting for you, darling.” Marco caught her eye in the mirror and gave her a wicked smile.
At that she laughed and threw up her hands. “Alright! Alright! I give up! I will take this pampering you are forcing upon me.”
Aliks sipped her wine. “Enjoy it while you can. You’ll not receive such lavish treatment along your journey,” she warned gently.
Petrea nodded. “I know,” she said softly, toying with the lush fabric draped over her body. “Marco has been telling me about our travel arrangements and accommodations along the way. And while it may not be the genteel lifestyle of Cereus House, I think it should be enough. And besides,” she smiled coyly at his reflected gaze, “we’ll be together.”
At that, Marco stood quickly and strode over to Petrea. He swept her into his arms, pins and fabric falling to the floor. She laughed, throwing her arms about his neck, kissing him.
He turned to Aliksandria.
“Excuse me, my lady, your Second and I have some additional business to attend to.”