Page 27 of A Heart Disguised 1

Then the reality of what I’d just done crashed over me like a wave of ice-cold water. “I can’t believe I just… with thoughts of him,” I muttered, my voice a mix of awe and horror. Starling chirped softly in response, almost as if she were laughing at mypredicament. I shot her a reproachful look. “It’s not funny, you know. What am I going to do now? How can I face the duke after… after this?”

The enormity of my actions settled heavily on my shoulders. I had just experienced my first release while fantasizing about the very demon lord I was supposed to deceive. The irony wasn’t lost on me, and I was caught between embarrassment, guilt, and a lingering sense of pleasure that I couldn’t quite shake off.

The sound of Meredith’s voice, urgent and excited, cut through the fog of my post-climactic haze. “Master Robin, dear! Oh, you won’t believe the news!”

I could hear her footsteps approaching rapidly, followed by a sudden halt and a confused “Oh!” I imagined her face-to-face with Russet, faithfully guarding the door as instructed.

“Master Robin?” Meredith called again, her voice a mix of excitement and bewilderment. “Why is Russet blocking the door? Never mind that now—I’ve just heard the most wonderful news! The couturier is on their way for your wedding gown fitting!”

I groaned, the reality of my situation crashing down upon me. Here I was, still reeling from the most intense experience of my life, and Meredith was prattling on about wedding gowns.

“They’re bringing the most exquisite fabrics,” she continued, her voice rising in pitch with each word. “Silks and satins and laces—oh, you’ll look absolutely divine! And they’ll be filling your wardrobe too. Isn’t it exciting?”

I could practically hear her bouncing on her toes. “Master Robin? Are you listening, dear? You must clean up and dress quickly! We can’t keep them waiting!”

“Just… just a moment, Meredith,” I called out, my voice still shaky. I frantically looked around the bathroom, spotting a plush bathrobe hanging nearby. With trembling hands, Isnatched it and hastily wrapped it around my naked form, tying the sash tightly. “Russet, it’s alright. You can let her in now.”

The door swung open, revealing a flushed and beaming Meredith. Her smile faltered slightly as she took in my disheveled appearance, the hastily donned bathrobe, and the lingering scent of the hot spring.

“Goodness, child,” she tutted, her excitement momentarily overshadowed by concern. Her eyes darted to the bathrobe, then back to my flushed face. “What’s all this about having Russet guard the door? And why aren’t you dressed yet? We have so much to do today!”

I clutched the robe tighter around myself, acutely aware of my state of undress beneath it. “I… I was just taking a bath,” I said, hoping the flush on my cheeks would be attributed to the heat of the spring rather than my recent activities. “I wanted a moment to myself before the day began.”

Meredith’s expression softened. “Oh, I understand, dear. It’s all so overwhelming, isn’t it? But we mustn’t dawdle. The couturier, Madame Elodie, will be here any moment!”

9

Robin

The morning unfurled like a banner of chaos, each fold revealing new layers of silk-spun mayhem and anxiety-beaded confusion. Meredith whirled about the room like a dervish in a fabric tornado, her excitement a gale force that threatened to sweep us all away in its wake. And me? I was supposed to be the calm eye of this storm, yet here I was, a bundle of nerves wrapped in a robe that seemed far too insubstantial given the day’s events.

“Oh, Lady Robin!” Meredith exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with a fervor that made me wonder if she’d forgotten I was, in fact,nota young lady. “Madame Elodie and her assistants will be here any moment. You’ll be the most beautiful bride in all of Aethoria!”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. “Meredith, need I remind you that I’m not actually—”

“Hush now,” she interrupted, waving a dismissive hand. “Today, you’re every bit the princess this gown deserves!”

As if on cue, Madame Elodie swept into the room, trailing two identical assistants in her wake. The royal dressmaker was a force of nature, her keen eyes missing nothing as she surveyedthe room. Her assistants, Tessa and Tilly, fluttered about like excited butterflies.

“Lady Robin,” Madame Elodie cooed, her voice dripping with honeyed admiration. “What a pleasure to finally meet you in person!”

Tessa and Tilly circled me, their eyes roving over my form with an intensity that made me wonder if they could see right through my disguise. I shifted uncomfortably under their scrutiny, acutely aware of how unladylike my body truly was.

“Oh, Tessa, just look at her hair!” Tilly exclaimed. “It’s like spun moonlight!”

“And her skin, Tilly!” Tessa chimed in. “So smooth and fair. I’d give anything for a complexion like that.”

Their enthusiasm was both flattering and terrifying. I forced a smile, praying they wouldn’t notice my distinct lack of curves.

“Such a slender build,” Tessa mused, circling me once more. “Though a bit flat-chested, aren’t you, dear? No matter, we can work with that.”

I felt my face flame as the twins exchanged knowing looks.

“Speaking of chests…” Tilly giggled, leaning in conspiratorially. “Did I tell you what Thomas did the other night?”

Tessa’s eyes widened with interest. “Oh, do tell!”

“Well.” Tilly lowered her voice, though not nearly enough for my comfort. “He was absolutely fascinated with my bosom. Kept nuzzling and suckling like a babe!”

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