Page 53 of Villainess's Redemption
The bell above the door chimed cheerfully as I strode into Magnolia Boutique, Laurel trailing behind me like a particularly judgmental shadow. The shop smelled of smoke and spices, a welcome change from the cloying perfumes of the palace. Annalise stood behind the counter, her usually bright demeanor dimmed. When she saw me, however, her face lit up.
“Lady Stormbourne! What a pleasant surprise,” she exclaimed, hurrying around the counter to greet me.
I couldn’t help but smile, taking in the neat rows of fabric and half-finished gowns that lined the walls. At least someone washappy to see me. “Hello, Annalise. How are my dresses coming along?”
“Oh, splendidly! Since you’re here, let’s do a quick fitting to make sure everything’s perfect.”
As Annalise fussed with pins and fabric, I studied her face. There were dark circles under her eyes, and her smile didn’t quite reach them. Something was bothering her, and I had a sneaking suspicion I knew what it was.
“Is everything alright, Annalise?” I asked, keeping my tone light.
She hesitated, her hands stilling on the fabric. “It’s… it’s going well, my lady. Your order has been keeping me quite busy.”
I hummed noncommittally, my eyes scanning the room. The racks seemed emptier than I remembered, the bolts of fabric fewer. A faint layer of dust had settled on some of the more elaborate gowns in the corner.
I knew her boutique was not doing very well despite my big order.
As Annalise fussed with the hem of my dress, an idea began to take shape in my mind. In my previous life, Annalise had been Rosalind’s steadfast ally. She not only helped create that magnificent dress for Rosalind to enter the palace ball in disguise but also had been instrumental in aiding my downfall, I didn’t knowhowyet. But now, with Rosalind safely ensconced in the palace, she wouldn’t need Annalise’s dress. Perhaps I could redirect that loyalty.
So, what ifIhelped Annalise instead of Rosalind?With how Rosalind is right now I’d need to cut off some of her helping hands.
I smiled inwardly. Sometimes, the universe had a funny way of aligning with my plans.
“Laurel,” I called out, my voice sweet as honey. “Be a dear and fetch my coin purse, would you?”
My handmaiden’s eyes narrowed infinitesimally, but she complied without a word.
With an exaggerated sigh of contentment, I stretched, allowing the fabric to settle around me. “Annalise, darling, your work is simply exquisite. I must insist on compensating you further.”Bravo! What acting!
Annalise’s head snapped up, her eyes widening. “Oh, no, my lady! That’s not necessary—”
I waved away her protests, accepting the heavy purse from Laurel. “Nonsense. Your talent deserves proper recognition,” I pressed a substantial sum into her hand, watching as her jaw dropped.
“My… my lady, I can’t possibly—”
“You can, and you will,” I said firmly, allowing a hint of steel to enter my voice. “In fact, I have a task for you. Tomorrow, I want you to visit the Merchant’s Guild and purchase every scrap of raw silk you can find.”
Annalise blinked rapidly, her brow furrowing in confusion. Even Laurel couldn’t suppress a small gasp, finally breaking her frigid silence.Oh, so now you’re interested?
“But… but my lady,” Annalise stammered, “raw silk is practically worthless right now. The eastern harvests have flooded the market, and—”
I placed a hand on her shoulder, channeling every ounce of aristocratic confidence I could muster. “Trust me, Annalise. This isn’t charity; it’s an investment. One that will pay back for us both.”
She bit her lip, clearly torn between her gratitude and her business sense. “I’m grateful for your help, truly. But I can’t in good conscience take your money for something so risky.”
I leaned in close, lowering my voice conspiratorially. “Listen carefully. The winds of fashion are about to change, and you, my dear, will be at the forefront. All I ask is that you remember who gave you this opportunity.”
Annalise’s eyes widened, a spark of hope igniting in their depths. “You really think so?”
I smiled, patting her cheek gently. “I know so. Now, run along and make those preparations. Opportunity waits for no one.”
As Annalise scurried off to finish my gowns, practically vibrating with nervous energy, I allowed myself a moment of smug satisfied smile. It was almost too easy, really. A few kind words, a bag of coins, and suddenly I had a potential ally eating out of the palm of my hand.
I do so love it when a plan comes together.
Catching sight of Laurel’s disapproving frown in the mirror, I sighed internally. She went from being scared of me to a judgmental friend pretty quickly.One battle at a time, Ilyana.
Chapter 15
