Page 56 of Jeweler to the Blessed
Alaric’s sketchbook lay open to the pages of the new designs, and I called the first Selected. “Caitlyn.”
The younger woman stepped forward. Her shiny, long blond hair and aquiline nose gave an appearance of wealth. She held her hand over the counter as I slid various-sized rings on to find a fit.
We found one that slid comfortably down her finger. “How does that feel?”
“It doesn’t have a gem.”
I swear I heard Hart’s eye roll from the corner. I wanted to hold his gaze and laugh silently together. Then I remembered his unsatisfactory answers earlier. I wouldn’t let the tension between us break so easily.
I responded to Caitlyn. “This isn’t the final piece. It’s just to get your ring size. You’ll see the final pieces at the Presentation and get to keep them after the King’s Blessing.”
She glared at me as if it were my fault she didn’t know this.
“So, does this feel alright? Is it too tight? Too loose?”
“It’s fine.” She slid the ring off and stepped back into line with the others.
I jotted down her measurements and flipped the page to the next commission. “Deidre.”
The woman from Woodside stepped forward. “I still can’t believe it was me.”
I slid a ring on her finger, testing the fit.
Deidre glanced around the shop. “Although, you must feel the same, taking over this position.”
My smile was polite. I never wanted it to be me, but she couldn’t know that.
She leaned forward as I tried another size. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend. I’m still in shock.”
I tried for a warmer smile. It wasn’t my goal to ruin what little joy this woman had. Even if her choices meant she would be stealing emotions soon enough.
“When did you find out?” I asked, trying to sound interested. “With everything …”
I hadn’t meant to bring up the mass explosion of nightmares either. My small talk could use some work.
She smiled in a way that said she knew I was trying, while I slid another ring on her finger.
“The king’s advisor came to my apartment the following morning. I almost passed out from excitement. I had to go tell the neighbors—tell the whole building!”
The words were out of my mouth before I thought better of it. “What about your family?”
Her smile thinned as she responded to the ring I slid on her finger. “This one fits.”
I noted the size in Alaric’s book.
“My partner died in the mines a few days ago,” she said.
I dipped my chin and remembered the morning earthshake. “I’m so sorry.”
“It makes this even more of a dream come true. I would never have left my Linette. But now that she’s gone?” Deidre shrugged. “What do I have to lose?”
I couldn’t be the only one to realize that the king seemed topick those most likely to give thanks for the Blessing. More likely, no one cared enough to notice. It was the dream we were sold—the dream that would keep us complacent.
Deidre returned to the others as I called the next name. “Wil.”
The final two sizings were quick. “All set.” I wrote Arthur’s size. “I have everything I need. You all enjoy the Cornucopia tonight, and I’ll get to work.”
The group filed out the same way they’d entered. The bell chimed again as the door closed behind them.
