Page 116 of Journey to the Elderoak
“Of course I have, but I’m still hungry,” he retorted.
Another knock sounded, this time Quinn shouting through the door. “Cas, are you ready to go?”
“He’s not ready yet!” Raine called back.
Quinn walked in and took a seat next to Raine. “Oh, breakfast!” she exclaimed as she snatched a pastry.
“Could the two of you be any ruder?” asked Casimir. “What if we were having a private meal?”
“Oh, shut up,” said Quinn. “Ava doesn’t mind. Right, Ava?”
Ava shook her head at the two of them but couldn’t help smiling. “I don’t mind.”
“What are you going to wear tonight, Ava?” Raine asked.
She paused. “Oh gosh. I don’t know. Am I supposed to know that?”
“They’ll find something for you. Have Fanya take you shopping. There’s a wonderful dress shop in town that can get anything ready and altered for you in time for tonight.”
“I don’t have any money.”
Raine waved his hand and scoffed. “Your brother’s the king. They’ll charge it to the royal accounts. No problem.”
“Well, okay.” She took a sip of tea before turning to Quinn. “You could come shopping with us. If you want.”
“First of all, I have to work,” she answered. “Second of all, dress shopping sounds like my worst nightmare.”
After a few moments, Raine rose. “Thanks for the second breakfast. Cas, you’ve got fifteen minutes before we need to be downstairs.”
Quinn followed. “See you there.”
They bid Quinn and Raine farewell.
“Well, I guess I should get dressed,” Casimir said, rising from the table. “Have fun today.” He planted a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll see you later tonight.”
34
Abell chimed as Ava pushed the wooden door open to the dress shop nestled among the trees in town. Fanya followed behind her as they entered the warm space.
Dozens of dresses were displayed along the walls; an amalgam of silk and chiffon; of blues and greens and purples. Jewelry sat upon tables in the center of the shop, emeralds, rubies and other gemstones glistening in the light of the lanterns above.
An orc rose from her spot behind the wooden counter to greet them.
“Fanya!” she exclaimed in her low rough voice, black curls bouncing as she approached. “It’s so good to see you. What can I do for you?”
“Hello, Ghorza,” Fanya replied. “We’re in dire need of a dress for the princess tonight.”
Ghorza turned to Ava. “Oh! Your Highness.” She curtsied. “I didn’t realize it was you.”
“It’s alright. It’s nice to meet you.”
Ghorza turned and gestured for them to follow her. “I haveseveral dresses that would be perfect for tonight, and they’re close to your size, so they won’t require too many alterations.”
She led them to the back where she pulled aside navy velvet curtains covering a doorway. The room had several settees in the center, facing a wall of mirrors with a small platform sitting before them. Ghorza walked to a table with wine goblets and a pitcher, poured two cups, and handed them over.
“You two have a seat and I’ll be right back,” she said, disappearing through another door.
Ava sat next to Fanya on a plush navy couch and took a sip of wine. “So, are you bringing a date tonight?”
