Page 55 of Ties of Dust

“Certainly.”

Flora tried to melt into the background, averting her eyes as the tailor assisted the prince out of his brocaded jacket and into the most lavishly embellished tunic she’d ever seen. It was a muted yellow color, and small suns were embroidered all over it. Tightly fitted long sleeves showed from underneath, but the tunic itself puffed out over the upper arm. The skirt of it flared out slightly over his leggings, and a thick chain of gold sat around his hips.

It was an excellent effect, and she had a feeling he knew it. He certainly didn’t show any sign of discomfort at her presence.

“That’s almost perfect, Your Highness,” the tailor said, satisfied. “I’ll fix that sleeve and have it delivered to your rooms.”

“Thank you,” said Cassius, shrugging carelessly out of the garment. He turned to Flora, perfectly at ease with his chest clad only in his tightly fitting undershirt. “Your turn.”

“I don’t think it will suit me as well, Your Highness,” said Flora lightly.

He gave her a look. “Very funny. I’ve ordered a garment for you as well.”

“What for?” she asked, startled.

Cassius was impatient. “For the ball, of course.”

“I’ll fetch it now,” the tailor said brightly, bustling from the room.

Flora spoke quickly into the privacy. “A new garment is unnecessary. I’ll wear my uniform.”

“No, you won’t.” Cassius shook his head. “You haven’t seen the grand ballroom yet, have you? It’s enormous. It would be near impossible for you to stay within the tether and still maintain the role of a guard. If you’re dressed more appropriately for a guest, you can try to blend in with the crowd.”

“Blend in?” Flora stared at him in disbelief. “Weren’t we speaking just before about how I’ve managed to antagonize half the castle? You think they won’t notice that I’m masquerading as a guest?”

“Better than you trailing between the dancers as a guard,” Cassius said.

“Can’t you just stay near the edges of the room?”

“I cannot.” The prince sounded genuinely regretful. “This event is being hosted by my mother, which means it will be beyond my power to avoid dancing with a string of hopeful young daughters of the court.”

The tailor re-entered the room, a young female assistant in tow, and their conversation ceased.

“It’s still very rough,” the man said to Cassius. “Without her exact measurements, I could only do so much. But it will be my top priority to get it done in time.”

“I appreciate it,” the prince said. “I know it’s outside your usual role.”

“It’s my pleasure.” The tailor cast an eye over Flora. “You are lovely, my dear, and very conveniently proportioned.”

“Thank…you?” It was perhaps the most unusual compliment Flora had ever received, and she could see Cassius grinning in the corner of her eye.

The man clicked his fingers, and thewoman beside him unfurled a bundle of bright blue fabric she was holding in her hand.

“Come along, miss,” she said. “I’ll help you try it on.” She chivvied Flora into a small adjoining room and gestured for her to remove her garments.

Feeling incredibly vulnerable, Flora did so, eager to receive the dress when the alternative was being uncovered with this stranger. The girl helped slide the gown over Flora’s head and settle it around her, pulling the skirts into position.

“The sleeves are too loose,” she said. “But that can easily be fixed. The bodice isn’t too far off. Come on, then.” She made another chivvying motion.

“Back out there?” Flora asked nervously.

“Of course, miss,” said the assistant with a touch of impatience. “We can’t work in this cramped space.”

More self-conscious than she’d ever been in her life, Flora lifted the skirts and walked back into the tailor’s main room. Cassius’s eyes roved over her new attire before landing on her face. She caught the sparkle in his eyes and had no doubt he could sense her disapproval of the whole exercise.

“It’s a very nice color on you,” he said in mild tones.

Flora sent him as close to a glare as she dared, and saw his lips twitch appreciatively. She responded by flicking the voluminous skirt with unnecessary violence, swiftly harnessing the resulting Dust and using it to cause the prince’s hair to aggressively flatten into his eyes.

---