Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)-Chapter 40 - Ugly Jackets Over Pretty Dresses

Chapter 40: Chapter 40 - Ugly Jackets Over Pretty Dresses
"Yes, white. She made it her signature. Though she does branch out into other colors for specific occasions or purposes."
A long,
palate cleansing
drain of her ’beer’ ends in a satisfied sigh. I lick some of the
fish oil
from my lips while imagining the experience.
I had been
ordered
not to ’drink’ after an incident in my youth and for the most part I have kept to that promise I once made. For the
most part
.
"The red blouse you’re wearing is similar to pieces and accessories she’s favored. Her hair and skin tone makes the color pop. Ah, so jealous..."
I paused
mid-bite
after her words, staring at the remaining
red roe
on the platter.
The evaluation of hers was right, of course. But it only makes me feel...
> You’re wondering if I stood next to her, would it match? Yes, it would. She’s beautiful but Helene is actually rather attractive when she is cleaned up. Now, can you stop *pairing* us for maybe even an hour? <
Vrika is scolded by my fox form, with my smaller paws
slapping down on his snout
repeatedly. It only sits there and takes the
tantrum
, since it does not actually hurt other than being irritating.
Which is
irritating
! How come
calming
the spirit’s behavior down is riling me up?!
"Here, if you’re still hungry."
When the stylist saw me poking at the
little remaining food
like a child, she slid over what was left of her dish. It makes me sort of want to go
dig a hole in the forest
and scream into it.
"T-thank you. Are you sure?"
"You remind me of my niece; happier when eating. So yes, take it."
Mortified
. It costs me many seconds to actually reach over and take the
offering
.
> Food should not be wasted. <
"You know, the city’s Winter Gala is coming up next month. It’s quite the event. Most of Vossden’s prominent figures attend."
I nod and
push
the information to the back of my mind. Social
gatherings of the elite
were likely similar regardless of the world, if the ’media’ Helene consumed were to be believed.
Opportunities for
alliance
, advancement, and occasionally,
thrilling ambushes
that lead to ’car chase’ scenes.
To be honest, I was a little
disappointed
that I did not see one of those on my walk into the city.
Television
made them seem so common.
"Ms. Voss... typically makes a statement with her ensemble."
"Is that something you help her with?"
A grin grows as
her eyes narrow
at me. Somehow... I feel like I have just
been had
.
That’s the
look
on her face, at least. As if I just let
something interesting
slip.
"When she requests it. She has quite a clear vision for her clothes, though. I merely execute it."
"I see."
"Will you be staying in Vossden long?"
Anise
suddenly asked
with a slight change in the conversation. I imagine she is trying to tell if I would make it to this
event
she mentioned.
My answer wants to be an
immediate no
so she stops whatever
silly assumptions
she is forming. But I consider it carefully... because whatever I say may just get back to that Alpha.
"I haven’t decided yet. It depends on a number of factors."
"Well, should you choose to remain, I always welcome returning clients that are as pleasant as you have been to work with. Especially those with connections to my other favorites."
> Better not to respond. <
The last piece of what was
her dinner
is swallowed down by me before I stand. I’ll consider the food
payment
for amusing her.
"I think I’m ready to try the dress on now."
"Lovely, I can’t wait to see how we can bring it together for you."
She called out as I
retreated
. And it did...
feel like a retreat
.
⧖
☾ ❄ ☽
⧖
The material’s fit skimmed over my figure in a way that was
very flattering
. All without being anywhere near as restrictive as a
ceremonial outfit
.
It fell to just above my knees. A
practical
enough length for walking through the streets.
Yet, the
illusion neckline
really was elegant enough to blend into more refined settings if necessary. The black, sheer lace topped shoes also provided the extra touch of
symmetry
.
"You really are good at picking things that are beautiful with a purpose."
The
compliment
was muttered while I examined my reflection out in the shop proper, in a different mirror than the private room. Anise had been steadily bringing
accessories
like the shoes that might be to my liking.
A
red silk sash
changed the midriff entirely, which altered the entire look. I’ve been
upsold
, for sure.
Same with the
off-white
furred scarf
around my neck she brought out next, which I actually thought looked rather nice juxtaposed against the black twin-tails.
But the
hand over her mouth
clearly hides a smile and the request she just made to
take a picture
...
"...Why?"
"I just thought you might like to have some good ones to send to... whoever you’d like to see you like this. If I’m being too much, I apologize."
She doesn’t look like she is
apologizing at all
. That rose-colored device is still raised like she is ready to start taking... or is she already
taking a video
?
Chad
certainly would be. But for some reason, I don’t find this sort of experience quite as rude or
evil natured
, if so.
> Is it because I’m soft on women who were nice to me? <
"My phone is... lost at the moment."
"Oh, that’s not good. Do you have any idea where you might have dropped it?"
Silly lies only necessitate more
aversions
,
omissions
, or better yet... weaving some truth into the matter. I look at the system clock quickly.
"I do and I intend to retrieve it soon. It is getting late, so we should probably wrap this up, Anise."
The woman stuffed her phone in that
cleverly hidden pocket
and smiled professionally.
"Which pieces would you like to purchase today?"
I spend a minute separating out what I feel is a
minimum
. I have nowhere to put it all right now, anyway.
No
large wardrobes
to fill. Only an
old backpack
already stuffed with a coat.
Two neutral tops, the
red one
I ate in, and the cardigan. Black wool pants and two pairs of denim ’jeans’... as well as two sets of the
same undergarments
.
> No one is going to see them anyway, stop looking at the white and red ones. <
As well as the simpler,
low heeled flats
that would be easier to
kick off
before transforming.
"These will do."
I stated a little
imperiously
. Maybe my tone conveyed more
satisfaction
than the words themselves, because her smile warmed again.
"Excellent choices. Does that include the dress, or would you like to wear a different outfit out?"
After looking down at myself for a while,
tempted beyond reason
to keep it, I finally sigh loudly. Why did she
have
to give me this card?
Did she sense - as someone capable of such
impressive
restraint - that I have the opposite particular
lack of self control
when it comes to money?
"Yes, please. And the red sash."
"Shall I package everything together?"
A
defeated
nod meets her as she walks over to tally and box the items.
"Excuse me, but I only have this to take everything in. Can they be folded tight into a bag that fits in here?"
She looks over at me with an
awful
look and I know just why. Not for my question.
While she wasn’t
looking
, I retrieved the backpack and picked up the
jacket
I had taken out of it earlier.
But it would take up
extra space
inside, so I wore it. It
does not
flatter the dress, at all.
"Uh, of course. I can do that. If that’s fine with you."
Part of me feels bad watching her
struggle
to look away. The other part wants to smirk in
revenge
.
"Oh, and you can take that picture now. Go ahead. Send it straight to her if you like."
"Spare me, please."
A friendly
laugh
tore through the boutique when she realized I was
teasing
her.