Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 28

Lucifer had taken the day off to accompany his wife, daughter, and stepdaughter to the haberdashery, where they would select dresses and gowns for the upcoming Yuletide ball. The Kováč family was particularly excited, as they cherished Charlotte and had not helped her pick out a dress in quite some time.

The shop's walls were adorned with shelves overflowing with bolts of fabric in every imaginable hue—rich velvets, delicate silks, and playful tulle, each inviting them with the promise of transformation. Swatches in shades of ruby, sapphire, and gold awaited their turn to be fashioned into something extraordinary.

In the center of the shop, a large wooden table was strewn with ribbons, buttons, and trims, each more whimsical than the last. Mirrors framed in ornate gold reflected the shoppers' excitement, while soft, plush seating areas beckoned families to linger and admire their selections. The air buzzed with the sound of fabric rustling and the soft chatter of other patrons, all sharing in the joy of the season.

"Now, this one is simple but lovely," Natasha said, holding up a garment. "The deep blue will complement your hair and skin perfectly. And blue is such a becoming color for blondes."

"Oh, I do love the color," Charlotte replied, smiling as she felt the fabric.

"Ugh! Unflattering!" Lute scoffed rudely.

"Alright, how about this one?" Natasha suggested, presenting another dress. "A magnificent gold with a vine-leaf pattern. Very regal—fit for royalty, I would say."

"Oh, it's gorgeous!" Charlotte marveled.

"It looks like squash soup!" Lute snapped.

"Then perhaps a nice red? I have some wonderful red satin, the color of holly berries—just perfect for Christmas time."

"Fifty other girls will be wearing the exact same color!" Lute retorted.

"Well, if I may ask, what exactly are you looking for?" Natasha inquired.

"Something fit for a queen!" Lute declared.

"A queen, hmm?" Natasha pondered for a moment. "I think I know just the thing. It's my newest creation, made by me. Baxter and I used to live in Russia, and I was a lady-in-waiting to the Tsarina. She wore such a stunning gown that I memorized the design. For the color, I did something different."

Natasha hurried into another room and returned with the dress in question.

"On the night Baxter and I were moving here, just as we passed through Norway, we witnessed the northern lights. I had never seen a more beautiful array of colors. I knew I had to use them for a dress. So here it is—a lovely linen in charming shades of purple, green, and blue—"

"And you expect me to wear this?" Lute interrupted, snatching the gown from Natasha and tossing it aside. "Look at it! It's nothing more than a bunch of rags stitched together. Is that the best you can do?"

"Lute!" Charlotte exclaimed, picking up the gown. "That's no way to talk to Natasha. She worked really hard on this dress, and I happen to think it's beautiful."

"You would; you wear rags all the time!" Lute sneered. "Why am I even relying on some small-town seamstress? I'll find my own dress!"

Lute stormed off, leaving Natasha looking ready to cry. She was a sensitive young woman, passionate yet insecure about her work, and she hated it when people yelled at her.

"Darling?" Baxter entered the room, concern etched on his face. "I heard yelling. Is everything alright?"

He noticed the tears welling in Natasha's eyes.