Page 42 of Instinct for Disaster

Betsy laughed. “I am confident.”

Nessa was done early, and she whistled. “Wow. Cassandra, you look like a work of art.”

“I bet Yasku will destroy it in under three minutes,” Cassandra smirked.

Betsy snorted and stroked a clear substance along Cass’s lips, and when she was done, she misted the rest of her art project with a fixative. “That should see you through the most intense make-out session.”

“You have no idea.”

The dresses were put on, and Nessa looked lovely. She was wearing dark red, and her mask was gleaming with the same colour. Her hair was up and twisted, and she looked like a movie star. The shoes were low but looked comfortable.

Cassandra was tied into her outfit; straps and straps and bits of cloth covered her important bits. The only thing that stopped Cassandra from hyperventilating was a length of fabric from under her navel to the ground and a matching one behind her. Four inches of skin were visible from each thigh. The boots that covered her to her knees were a nice touch.

“Well, Yasku isn’t going to make any headway tonight.” Cassandra looked at her clothing in the mirrors. “I am guessing his claws will get caught in all the straps.”

The ladies of the spa and salon came forward and were smiling at her. They were admiring their handiwork.

Kiddel entered the space and said, “Lady Cassandra?”

She turned and faced him. “Hey, Kiddel.”

He gawked and said, “Oh, my. Lady, you look stunning. The overseer is going to sweep you away for privacy the moment he sees you.”

She crossed her arms. “He had better not. I want to see how these gatherings work.”

Kiddel nodded. “I am sure you two can discuss it. You look... fascinating.”

“Thank you. I think I look like an expensive fashion doll with a post-apocalyptic theme.”

Nessa grinned. “End of the World Bar—”

Cassandra held her hand up to stop her, and Nessa and Betsy laughed.

Kiddel asked, “Lady, would you and your friend come with me? There is an early dinner at the city residence waiting for you.”

Cassandra nodded and turned to Betsy. “Do you want to come?”

“Another time. I have to gear up for this evening along with all the other singles in the city.” Betsy grinned. “Have a great time.”

Kiddel extended his arm to her, and Cassandra put her hand on his wrist. Nessa was chortling. “This is going to be fun.”

They left the spa, and Cassandra felt the breeze on all the exposed skin. Having hair again was odd, but it was confined, so she wasn’t too distracted.

One by one, people noticed her. Their reactions to her clothing were amusing. Humans were scandalized, and the other species were amused. Some were even encouraging.

Nessa began a queenly wave, and many folks laughed and waved back as they made their way through the city toward the very large building in the centre. Cassandra sighed when she realized the city house was an actual palace.

They walked to the gate, and the guards straightened and opened the doors. They walked down the path, up the stairs, and into the cool expanse of the inner hallways.

Nessa fell in behind her. “This is way above my pay grade.”

Cassandra snorted, and Kiddel escorted her into the room where three Hmrain and a woman with serpentine scales sat and negotiated. They all fell silent when the trio walked in.

Yasku got to his feet and walked over to Cassandra. “You look...”

“Like six hours of buffing?”

His gaze was moving over her in wonder. “No, you look like my consort.” He reached for her and pulled her against him. “I may have you dress like this twice a week.”

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