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Rather than get upset over the possibility of fur on her nice clothes, Lolly giggled and petted my kitten. “You have done such a wonderful job socializing her in such a short time. What’s your favorite color?”
As Erik had haunted my dreams, I decided to fling a barb at my parents and refuse to claim their colors. “I very much like yellow. Purple is a nice color, and I’d have to pick a rich brown as my third favorite.”
After giving Garnet another few strokes, Lolly rummaged through her bag, pulled out a small box, and held it out to me. “As I am sure nobody has bothered to welcome you to our city, I hope you will accept this as a gesture of good will.”
I smiled at the woman’s kindness, accepted her gift with both hands, and said, “I really appreciate that. Thank you, Lolly.”
“You’re very welcome.” Lolly gave Garnet another scratch under her chin before saying, “Back you go to your companion, little one. Do try to tolerate those mean old dragons. They have no manners, but you will be safe with them around, so do relax.”
Garnet transformed to her wisp form, and once I had her stone in my hand, Lolly waved and left, leaving me puzzled over the exchange. Rather than return to her kitten form, she zipped to my mother and darted around her head.
Once Lolly disappeared into a nearby store, I held the quartz and the box in one hand, took off my backpack, and put both items into one of the empty sections within. “I wonder what that was about.”
My father chuckled. “Lolly would be a sacrificial lamb sent out to evaluate your mettle. First, she tested to see if you were greedy; you could have asked for any stone, and you told her the truth about what Garnet likes. She can, when she wishes, sense the truth. She is a black dragon, and she is quite skilled at identifying when someone lies. Second, she tested your courage. We are misbehaving terribly, and you are proving your tolerance. Finally, she tested us. She knew we watched her. She will surely spread rumors of how we torment you.”
“It was all right to accept those gifts?”
“Your face tattled on you, I’m afraid. You couldn’t have appeared to be more grateful for such consideration if you tried.”
My mother snorted. “Don’t worry yourself. Phillip and Cedrick will have spread word far and wide of your suffering—and how you are spending every last penny you’ve been earning on making certain Garnet is the happiest of kittens.” With a smile, she held her hands out to the carbunclo, who transformed and settled on my mother’s palms. Rather than try to claim my kitten, she transferred Garnet back to my shoulder. “Now that we know we are being observed, it is time to get you properly fitted for your gowns and wedding dress.”
“That is not necessary.”
“Oh, it is necessary. Things are about to truly become fun.”
“How many people have you attempted to force into marriage?”
“Fewer than a hundred, more than one,” my mother replied, and she pointed at a bridal store down the street. “We can do this the hard way if you’d like.”
I surrendered, and careful to keep from dislodging both of my pets, I stepped into the store, questioning what I was doing, why I was allowing them to railroad me, and who my parents targeted in their display of idiocy and power.
* * *
Saturday, April 25, 2167
The Diamond Ward
Dragon Heights, Wyoming
I fell in love with a sleek white gown with a modest enough V-neck and short off-shoulder sleeves. It fell to the ankle, allowing shoes to be seen. I hated dresses that hid my shoes; if I was going to wear torture devices on my feet, I wanted people to be able to admire them. I appreciated the lack of a train, something I viewed to be gaudy on a good day and intolerable on a bad one. The simplicity of it enchanted me, and rather than follow my parents around, I stared at it, refusing to peek at the price tag.
Simple and beautiful things tended to cost a fortune.
My parents could afford a wretchedly expensive dress, but if I betrayed my interest, they would assume I wanted to wear it in an appropriate venue. That the man they wanted for me still had a rather firm grip on my heart didn’t make matters easier on me.
I wondered how many reminders of Erik I could take before I retreated to my bedroom, buried my face into my pillow, and cried. It’d been a while since I’d done that.
I thought I’d become strong enough to get through life without breaking apart from the consequences of my choices and actions.
The shop’s manager stepped to my side, made a thoughtful noise, and went to a nearby rack where the dress waited. “Come with me, ma’am.”
As my thieving parents had made off with Garnet and Tourmaline, likely teaching them bad habits, I went along with the woman. “Kinsley,” I murmured.
“Anisa,” she replied with a smile, taking me to the changing room. “This one laces in the back, so you will need assistance. For the initial fitting, it’s best to see how it fits without a bra, if you are amendable.”
“Sure.” We both had breasts, and I had no problems with another woman helping me to test out a gown that would make my mother’s wallet weep. “Are there even any bras that can work with a dress this nice?”
“It’s a custom, made from the same material as the gown, and uses some magic to offer support. From my understanding, you do not have a wedding date yet?”