☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆♤☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Celestine entered the shop along with the other ladies, their maids close behind.
Although the building's exterior looked small, the interior was far larger than expected.
The ladies scanned the room in awe. Rows of delicate trinkets lined the shelves, glass, metal and carved wood catching the light with an uneven glint.
Then, a young man approached them. His features were youthful, his smile bright and practised.
"What may I help you with?" He asked.
Celestine glanced over the display, then around the building. "We're simply browsing." She added. "Perhaps, something may catch our interest."
As she turned to leave, the young man called out. "Then perhaps you would be interested in this?" Holding up a small crystal bottle.
"It is said, one spray makes your true love attracted to you…" he muttered softly.
"Is that true?" Lady Clarice asked, her pupils wide with interest.
"Yes, my lady." The boy replied. "Just one spray, and he would be swooning after you."
Clarice examined the product for a while, "I don't believe you." She scoffed. "It might just be a lie to sell an ordinary scent."
The other ladies shared glances then nodded in agreement. The young boy stared in disbelief, then suddenly—
"I believe he is speaking the truth." The merchant's daughter said. "I heard a noble woman got this same perfume," she added. "And in five days...her beloved came to marry her."
The ladies shared a collective gasp.
"Are you sure, Lady Penelope?" Clarice asked lightly, her eyes with a glint of suspicion.
"Yes…" Penelope responded.
Instantly some of the ladies rushed past Celestine and around the young man, bargaining for a price.
While the others pressed forward, Celestine's gaze drifted past them, searching.
The young man's focus drifted between the ladies, unsure who to attend to first.
Suddenly, his eyes fell on Penelope by the side. Her lips curved into a smile followed by an innocent wink.
She turned, and Celestine's eyes met hers.
Penelope flushed, but Celestine smiled back, then her eyes shifted, towards the deeper end of the shop.
The last place she had seen the familiar silhouette slip through— a narrow door at the back.
Without hesitation, she moved towards it, pulling Gaia along. Unaware of the lingering stare that followed her.
Jane's eyes were sharp and curious, quickly, she followed her. Turning the corner, she collided with someone.
The impact sent a dagger clattering from the shelf.
Instinctively, his firm hands held her by the shoulders, straightening her in place.
"I am so sorry," she apologized quickly.
The man bent down, retrieving the dagger.
He turned it once in his hands, examining the delicate craftsmanship.
"Fine artistry," he said calmly. "I think this dagger chose you."
A faint flush rose to her cheeks, betraying her composure.
While Celestine slipped deeper into the shop, Jane found herself momentarily caught.
Her gaze met his light green eyes.
Deep and sharp.
His skin carried warmth of sun-lit sand.
Jane instinctively straightened. He didn't need to speak, his presence alone demanded attention.
"You speak as though you understand such things?" She asked coolly.
The corner of his lips curved. "I do." He said, handing her the dagger, then turned and walked away.
Their shoulders brushed.
Jane watched him as he walked away. Her eyes fixed on his broad shoulders from behind.
Just as Celestine and Gaia reach the narrow door, they are stopped by the same young man who had tried selling to her and the other ladies the so-called love perfume.
"Strictly employees, my Lady," he said coldly. His arms stretched out restricting her.
Celestine frowned, she glanced back but couldn't make sense of it. "Weren't you just attending to those ladies?" She asked. "How were you so fast?"
"No, my Lady." He replied emotionlessly. "That was my Twin brother." His expression, dull.
Celestine looked closely, and she could now see. This was not the bright young man she had met a few moments ago.
"Someone I know walked through there, can't I go in?" She asked calmly.
"No!" He said plainly. "Employees only." Then turned away to attend to the other customers.
"My lady," Gaia called. "What do we do now?"
For a second, Celestine remained silent. Then suddenly, her lips tugged into a grin.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆♤☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Lucian stepped into a narrow room. The only light came from a small window set along the wall, which cast a thin light across the floor.
An old man sat behind an oak desk. His silver hair neatly combed and posture, too relaxed.
"Please," the man said, gesturing to the chair opposite him. "Take a seat, Lord Iksander."
Lucian paused.
"You know who I am?"
The man smiled faintly. "Not many wear that crest anymore." His gaze dipped briefly to the silver dragon pinned to Lucian's chest.
But Lucian said nothing. He stepped forward, taking the seat.
"I hear from my boys that you seek my presence," the man continued, folding his hands neatly above the desk. "Vinrick at your service, my lord."
Lucian reached into his coat, and placed a folded paper on the table.
"Did you design this?" He asked.
Vinrick's gaze dropped to the design. He pushed his spectacles higher on his nose, closing examining it. But he did not touch.
"This is indeed a beautiful work," he murmured. "The pattern…does have similarities to my designs."
Lucian's eyes narrowed.
"But…" Vinrick prompted, lifting his eyes. A grin appeared across his lips. "Why is this of such importance to you, Lord Iksander?"
Lucian's brow lifted. He studied Vinrick closely. "I wish to find who this design was made for. He said, his tone steady.
Silence settled between them for a second.
"It's not my work." Vinrick said.
Lucian did not move, " Explain.."
Vinrick leaned back, fingers tapping lightly against the wood.
"I have taught many students over the years," he said. "it is possible one of them learned from me, but…"
He smiled faintly. "to create something like this… that requires more than simple instructions." He added. "It's about patience, precision, and an eye for balance. Which few possess."
Lucian's brows furrowed.
"If a man had done this.." he continued, "He would already have been celebrated. His work displayed proudly" he said.
Then, Vinrick leaned closer. "Only somone… who works quietly, without seeking acclaim, could create this. His voice was low.
Lucian studied the design carefully, tracing the lines with his fingers.
The detailes, the subtle curves, the perfect symmetry.
It was extraordinary.
"So whoever did this….." Lucian stated.
"Is no ordinary designer." Vinrick completed. "And likely someone the world wouldn't expect."
There was silence. The old man rose to his feet. "I am afraid, that is all I can offer." he said.
Lucian didn't look up, his attention remained fixed on the handkerchief. "You have already offered enough." He replied calmly.
Vinrick inclined his head and turned away. The door clicked shut behind him.
Lucian's mind lingered on the design. The pattern was flawless.
Who ever did this wasn't just talented, they were exceptional.