SHADOW

Meeting Again

"We are departing this afternoon. Prepare your best gowns," said the Count without much preamble.

He strode into her room without so much as a hello or any pleasantries—his usual self. Sonya lowered her eyes and stepped away from the window. The girl was visibly shaken by the Count's displeased face, but Sha wasn't sure if consoling her would only stress her more. Perhaps it was better to wait until the Count left them alone.

He walked purposefully toward her closet and picked out an extravagant burgundy dress, placing it neatly on the bed.

"This one should do. Be ready in half an hour—no more," he said and strode out of the room.

"But I haven't had breakfast yet..." Sha mumbled as her stomach growled.

"I'll run downstairs and fetch a muffin. You can nibble on it while I get you into that dress," Sonya offered quickly.

"We don't have time for that," Sha replied. "I'll drink a glass of water. It will suffice. It's probably a party anyway—I'll eat there."

"No, no, no! You have to eat something, or you'll faint in front of all those pompous ladies! I won't allow it!" Sonya said firmly. "You brush your hair and help me—it'll take me exactly three minutes to get that muffin."

True to her word, Sonya practically teleported to the kitchens and back. Sha, meanwhile, inhaled the muffin so fast she got hiccups, and now Sonya was squeezing her into the ridiculously tight dress.

The bodice, made of burgundy satin, was tight-fitting, while the skirt flowed in rich velvet. It was a striking combination of luxurious textures. The color made Sha look paler than usual, her hair contrasting sharply against it.

She sat in front of the mirror and marveled at how different she looked. After Sonya applied makeup and layered on various expensive perfumes, she barely recognized herself. She looked so sophisticated, so... strange. Never in her life had she seen herself transformed this way—so mature, so enchanting.

"You look like a diva, my lady," said Sonya, sighing.

"You're too kind, Sonya. You're a magician. It's all because of your masterful makeup and hair arrangement. It makes me look better than I am."

"Well, I am a master, I won't deny that," Sonya said, blushing. "But you're lovely on your own."

"My lady, Count Ambrosio is waiting for you downstairs. You must depart immediately," a servant called from the hall.

Getting down the stairs in such a pompous dress turned out to be more of a challenge than Sha expected. With Sonya's help, they managed—though far less gloriously than she had imagined. Instead of descending like a queen toward her Count, she descended more like a flustered chicken trying not to fall over the railing.

The Count looked at her and nodded.

"It will do," was all he said.

Sonya stared at him in disbelief, her mouth moving silently, clearly mouthing a string of imaginary curses. Sha giggled, imagining the words her maid was holding back.

They walked to the carriage together. Sha cringed a little when the door closed behind her and she found herself face to face with the Count—after all this time, alone with him again.