Page 100 of House of Malice
“So, which ones are the brides?” Ariz asked, looking between them. “And who will want to go first?”
Alecto pointed at Jolene and Leigh. “They are the brides.”
Ariz nodded, looking at them.
“I can be first,” Jolene said, looking at Leigh.
Leigh nodded, smirking.
“Great,” the goblin said. “Come over here, will ya?”
Ariz motioned to the small platform in front of the mirrored wall. Jolene stepped on it and turned to face them.
“Not that side, love,” Ariz said. “Look at yourself and not us. How are you gonna see if the gown fits?”
Jolene nodded and turned around. Leigh and Alecto exchanged glances and chuckled.
“Shouldn’t I tell you what I want?” Jolene asked the goblin, who was going through the racks of clothing.
“I know exactly what you want,” Ariz said. “I have been dressing witches for over five decades now. Do you think I’d be where I am now if I didn’t know what every single witch who walks in through those doors wants?”
Jolene didn’t say anything else. She looked at Alecto with wide eyes through the mirror, and Alecto tried very hard not to laugh.
Finally, Ariz picked out a piece from one of the racks, then another one.
“Is it a day ceremony or an evening ceremony?” she asked nobody in particular.
“Day ceremony,” Alecto said. “But it will go into the evening and night.”
“Then you will need two outfits,” Ariz murmured. She walked around the clothing racks that were taller than she was and held out the first gown to Jolene. “Try this one.”
Jolene looked at the dress hanging from the hanger, and her eyes sparkled. She undressed and then pulled the dress on.
It was a spectacular piece on the hanger. But on Jolene…it looked magnificent.
The base of the dress was made from a tulle-like material in a dark color. Alecto couldn’t make out whether it was black or navy because it seemed to change with each movement Jolene made. The top layer had an elaborate net surrounding the skirt, and it looked like it was made from gold.
Jolene’s waist and breasts were hugged tightly with a bodice made of black lace. Gold threads weaved through it, catching the light anytime Jolene shifted.
“I love it,” Jolene said, then covered her mouth with her hands. “It’s perfect.”
“I know,” Ariz said. “This one is for the ceremony during the day. Now try this one for the evening part. You’ll need something much more comfortable.”
Ariz helped Jolene out of the first gown and then handed her the second. It was another dress, but this one was much shorter and less complicated. Yet it was equally stunning.
It had the same shape, where Jolene’s waist and chest were hugged tightly, and the skirt flowed down her hips and thighs. This dress was made from gerberry silk, in the color of emerald, and it had flowers embedded in it. At first glance, it was hard to notice because they were so delicate and subtle.
Jolene stared at herself, mute for a long moment.
“Well?” Ariz asked.
“It’s beautiful,” Jolene said, brushing a hand through her skirt. “It’s a dream dress.”
“That’s the whole point, isn’t it?” Ariz braced a hand on one of her hips. “Now off you go. Let me fit the other bride.”
Jolene returned to her seat on the couch, still wearing the silk dress.
She’s good. She silently mouthed the words to Alecto, pointing at Ariz, who was once again raiding the racks of clothing.But crazy.
