Page 48 of A Heart Disguised 1

“I’m quite intrigued by your choice of wedding attire,” he said lightly. “Do you mind if I tag along? I promise not to critique unless it’s truly horrendous.”

The question caught me off guard—I hadn’t anticipated an audience. Visions of Caelum discovering my secret danced in my head like sugarplum fairies with malicious intent. But before I could muster an excuse, Meredith answered for me, her eyes lighting up with an enthusiasm that I’d come to recognize all too well.

“Oh, what a splendid idea!” she exclaimed, her voice pitched higher than usual. “The more the merrier! And who better to offer a demon’s perspective on the bride’s attire?”

I caught a glimpse of that familiar spark in Meredith’s expression—the one that always appeared when it was time to stuff me into yet another gown. For reasons I couldn’t fathom, she seemed to take an inordinate amount of pleasure in these dress-up sessions.

Her grip was ironclad as she whisked us through the corridors, Russet and Fluffy trailing at our heels while Starling took flight above us, probably wondering why its human companions couldn’t simply fly to their destination. Meredith’s steps had a bounce to them, and she hummed softly under her breath, clearly relishing the situation.

“Meredith,” I hissed, trying to slow our breakneck pace, “surely Caelum has more important matters to attend to than watching me be turned into a human pincushion?”

Caelum, overhearing my feeble protest, merely shrugged. “What could be more important than witnessing the creation of a masterpiece? Besides, I’ve always found human fashion to be endlessly fascinating. It’s like watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon, only with more needles and cursing.”

Meredith’s response was swift and tinged with barely concealed glee. “Nonsense, dear! Lord Caelum’s presence will be most welcome. After all, two opinions are better than one when it comes to fashion!”

I rolled my eyes, though a small smile tugged at my lips. “Very well,” I conceded, resigned to my fate. “But I warn you, it’s a rather tedious process. You might find watching paint dry more exciting.”

“It’ll be a delightful afternoon,” Meredith interjected. “And just think, Robin—you’ll have an audience to practice for the big day!”

I couldn’t shake the feeling that Meredith was deriving far too much enjoyment from this situation. Her enthusiasm fordressing me up had always puzzled me, but now, with Caelum in tow, she seemed positively ecstatic.

As we entered my parlor, Madame Elodie swept toward me like a storm of silk and perfume, her assistants Tessa and Tilly trailing behind her like eager puppies. Their gazes, however, were quickly captured by Caelum’s exotic charm.

“Oh my,” Tessa whispered to Tilly, her eyes wide as saucers. “I didn’t know demons could be so… petite.”

“And adorable!” Tilly added with a giggle that bordered on hysterical. They were like two kittens upon spotting a yarn ball dangling from a chandelier—completely transfixed.

Caelum’s face reddened, caught between flattery and insult. “Adorable is for kittens and babies,” he grumbled under his breath. “Not demon lords.”

He made himself comfortable on the sofa, crossing his legs with an air of nonchalance that belied his flushed cheeks. Meanwhile, Russet and Fluffy settled near the hearth as if they’d been doing so for years, and Starling perched on the windowsill, her eyes observant and unblinking.

Madame Elodie clapped her hands, bringing everyone’s attention back to the task at hand. “Now then, Lady Robin, shall we begin?” She gestured grandly toward a covered mannequin that I hadn’t noticed before. “Allow me to present your wedding gown!”

With a flourish that would make any stage magician envious, Madame Elodie whisked away the cover, revealing a creation that took my breath away. The gown was a vision in ivory and pearl, a masterpiece of silk and lace that seemed to glow with an otherworldly light. Intricate beadwork adorned the bodice, creating patterns that resembled delicate vines and flowers. The skirt cascaded down in layers of gossamer-thin fabric, each tier catching the light differently, creating an ethereal effect.

“It’s… stunning,” I breathed, momentarily forgetting my anxiety in the face of such beauty.

Tessa and Tilly approached the gown reverently, their eyes wide with wonder. With practiced care, they began to remove it from the mannequin, handling it as if it were made of spun sugar rather than fabric.

Madame Elodie turned to me, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. “Now, Lady Robin, if you’ll allow me to assist you in undressing—”

I clutched my current gown to my chest like a shield, panic rising in my throat. The idea of changing in front of this motley crew—especially Caelum—was more terrifying than facing the duke himself. “Perhaps I could change in my bedroom?” I suggested, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice.

Madame Elodie’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “But my lady, we need to ensure the fit is perfect. It would be easier if—”

“I insist,” I said, my voice firmer this time. “I’m sure we can manage the fitting once I’m in the gown.”

Madame Elodie sighed, a mixture of exasperation and fondness in her expression. “As shy as ever, I see. Very well, my lady. We’ll wait here while you change.”

I caught a glimpse of Caelum from the corner of my eye. He was smirking, one eyebrow raised in amusement. There was something in his expression that made me uneasy, as if he knew more than he was letting on.

I gathered the gown in my arms, careful not to wrinkle its perfection. “If you’ll excuse us,” I said to the room, backing toward my bedroom door.

Meredith, ever attuned to my needs, was already in motion. “Come along, Lady Robin,” she said, gently guiding me with a hand on my elbow. “Let’s get you ready.”

As we made our way to the adjoining room, I heard Madame Elodie mutter behind us, “Such modesty in a bride. It’s refreshing, really.”

Caelum’s knowing chuckle followed us. Once inside my bedroom, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Meredith closed the door behind us with a soft click and immediately set to work, her movements efficient and practiced, a comforting routine in the midst of my growing anxiety.

---