The Academy - Book II Editing For Publication

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Ah'Taria, Silver Lights District

I can't believe I have to find furnishings for the second floor and servant's floor of that house, thought Ebony as she looked down at her hand held device.  Frowning she reviewed Jacob's list of likes and dislikes as she walked into the glittering entrance of Booker’s Furnishing.

Looking around Ebony stared at the overpriced and gaudy furniture.  Grimacing at the orange velour with mirrored trim and silver studded couch that was priced at 65 royals she shook her head. Walking further up the aisle she touched a silver-toned harpy statue that had ruby eyes and blue and yellow bedazzled wings. Shaking her head she pondered, how could Jacob like this crap.

"Welcome to Booker's Furnishing," said the well dressed woman with snow white hair as she glided toward Ebony in a green dress that would cost at least two months of her salary.  "I'm Gladys Booker," stopping she stared Ebony up and down before continuing haughtily, "How can we assist you?"

Not missing the arrogance of the Ah'Tarian woman she resisted the urged to leave immediately, "Lord Jacob Lawson requested that I come here to pick out some items for his home in the Gold District." Looking down Ebony pressed buttons on the hand held letting Anton know she'd arrived at the elite store finishing she looked back up, "I was told a communication was sent saying I'd be coming."

Gladys looked Ebony up and down again, and still found her wanting, raising an overly plucked eyebrow she frowned thoughtfully, "You're his assistant, um, Ivory or was it Tusk?"  Turning on her heel she started to float away motioning arrogantly for Ebony to follow her.

Ebony watched the woman walk away but did not follow, "My name is Ebony and yes I am his assistant."

Gladys turned to glare at her feeling she'd used an insolent tone to speak to her.  Raising her head she stared down her nose at the non-Ah'Tarian, "Do you not know your place?  You should be following me."

Ebony cut her eyes toward the lady and placed her hand held back into a hidden pocket, "No you should be allowing me to lead the way since I'm spending his royals and not you."

Gladys stared at the pudgy little piglet of a women and frowned, "How dare you imply an Ah'Tarian of my stature should walk behind or beside you!"

Sighing, Ebony shook her head, "I never said you should be walking behind me -"

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"I believe Jacob would like this dining room set," Acadia eyed the gleaming gray marble table with beautiful scroll work on the legs and matching gray chairs.  "What do you think Celeste?"

Celeste frowned at the shiny table and shook her head, "I believe he said no glass or marble."  Walking up to it she ran her hand over the smooth marble, "Jacob specified wood, steel and granite."

Acadia rolled her eyes as she listened, "So you think he'd like the golden oak table more with the handmade carved chairs?"

Celeste nodded as she thought back to the lovely hand carved oak table, "I believe you should have it customized with the Lawson crest."

Acadia nodded, "I believe that is a wonderful idea."  Holding her hand up she brought forth her hand held.  As she was about to send Jacob the items she was ordering she heard the owner's hostile voice coming from the front of the store.  Raising an eyebrow at Celeste she started towards the commotion.

Gladys stared angrily, insulted that the Ebony wouldn't do as she directed.  Sweeping a hand toward her clothes she continued in disgust, "I cannot believe Lord Jacob would have a servant as disrespectful as you are."  Flicking hair over her shoulder as she glared, "I am obviously above your station yet you ignore it and speak to me as if we are equals.  You will speak to me with deference."