Page 14 of Raven Rebel (Sablewood #1)

Brenna

A rainbow of fabrics covered one wall. Mirrors stood along another wall, with a trio of low platforms placed before them.

Wooden forms stood opposite the fabric rolls, already dressed in an array of dresses with colors ranging from blazing oranges to deep reds to the softest brown.

They shared similar flowing cuts and featured delicate accents such as embroidery, beading, or even feathers.

A small faerie stepped from the back room. A rich walnut brown dress hugged her abundant curves, matching the shade of her wide, dark eyes. White freckles covered her chestnut cheeks and velvet doe ears stuck out from her multitude of caramel braids.

“Dyani, I hope you are well,” Cerne said, leaning down to kiss her cheek. Her warm skin flushed raspberry. “These are my guests that Ryles spoke with you about. Please outfit them with a wardrobe fit for our court. At least two weeks worth of garments, both formal and day wear, please.”

“Of course, my lord.” Her cheeks dimpled as she smiled.

“Hold on, that’s far more than a couple of dresses,” Meara objected.

Cerne shrugged and slipped out of the shop, pausing at the door to wink at them. Meara spun to face Dyani. The fawnling sighed and held up her hand. “There’s no use arguing. Lord Cerne does as he pleases. We might as well enjoy ourselves.”

“If we must,” Brenna said with a grin. Meara’s exhale was rough, but she didn’t argue. “It’s lovely to meet you. I am Brenna and this is Meara.”

Dyani raised a hand to her mouth, tapping a manicured finger over her lips.

“It takes time to sew new dresses, so I think it’s best if you both pick at least one gown from my stock so I can quickly alter it to fit.

Then you will have something to wear while I work on custom pieces for you.

” She fluttered her hands, herding them toward the dress forms. “Anything catch your eye? I have more in the back if nothing suits. Come, explore.”

Brenna’s gaze snagged on an apricot dress with sparkles raining down from the rounded neckline. She stepped closer and reached out to touch the layers of chiffon.

“Lovely choice. That will highlight the warmth in your hair beautifully,” Dyani said, coming to stand beside her.

“Thank you.”

Meara passed over a multitude of colorful options and finally selected an evergreen dress with a metallic sheen. As the fabric flowed over the hips and trailed to the floor, it darkened into shadowy black.

“Please try them on so I can pin them, and I will take your measurements as well.” Dyani held back a curtain to reveal a dressing room behind the mirrors.

The girls ducked into the space. A moment later, Dyani passed them the dresses now removed from their forms. Brenna’s breath caught as the silky fabric slid over her fingers.

As soon as Meara finished lacing her up, Brenna eagerly stepped onto the platform. The dress was snug across her stomach, but only a touch. Dyani reassured her it was an easy fix as she flitted back and forth with a measuring tape, noting everything about Brenna’s figure.

Meara watched apprehensively, her arms folded over the low cut of her dress. When she dropped her hands to her sides, Brenna inhaled with a soft, audible gasp. “Meara, you look incredible!”

“I look like a phantom,” she muttered. As Dyani measured her and pinned the dress, Meara eyed herself in the mirror.

“I can have these tailored by tomorrow and I’ll send them up to the estate along with some basics. And I will send additional items as they’re completed.” Dyani’s smile was crooked.

When the sisters returned from changing back into their prior outfits, Cerne stood by the shop entrance, leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed and a rogue grin on his face.

“You can’t have them back yet. I need to know their fabric preferences,” Dyani warned. Warm friendship glowed between them, and Brenna wondered how many of his subjects Cerne knew with this level of kinship. They clearly adored him.

Dyani held out various silks and laces, murmuring to herself. Occasionally she asked their opinions, but mostly she noted how the fabric suited the girls. As Brenna admired a creamy satin, the fawnling’s lips twitched and she jotted down a note.

“I believe I have everything necessary to create you enough clothing for a fortnight. If you need more, you just have to ask.” Her furred ears flicked as she smiled politely at them.

“I can’t begin to express my gratitude,” Brenna said.

“Dressing you is honor enough,” Dyani said as she shooed them out of her shop.

Cerne did not ask how the appointment went, but observed their contented faces and smirked, leading them away.

They passed a potter’s studio, a gallery, and a small restaurant.

The Autumn Lord shared snippets of information, like “That painting was done by the oldest artist in residence at the Autumn Court,” or “That chef makes the most incredible venison roasts.”

“Your court is called the Court of Autumn Harvest, so do you have farming?” Brenna asked. Meara watched, her dark mood slowly creeping back.

“Not really, we are better known for our artisans,” Cerne said with a laugh. “Our northern border is shared with the Summer Court. Most of the realm’s crops are grown there. Unfortunately, it’s a cooperative process.”

“What do you mean?” Meara asked, squinting.

“The Court of Summer Light is challenging to work with.” Each word flowed with disdain. Seeing Brenna’s worried expression, he conceded, “Nothing to worry about. Our mutual dislike stretches back decades and isn’t likely to reach a breaking point any time soon.”

They reached the end of the road. Cottages stretched out before them in a rough grouping, becoming further spaced apart until they faded into the trees entirely.

Brenna couldn’t help but study the small gardens around many of them, curious what vegetables they were able to grow under the forest’s cover.

A strange crowing noise startled her. She grabbed Meara’s arm and her sister tensed, searching for the source. Brenna let out a surprised laugh as a small flock of chickens toddled toward them. They sported feather top-knots that flopped back and forth as they walked.

“Oh, hello! Aren’t you darling?” Brenna said, sinking down to take a closer look.

Cerne crouched beside her, sweeping his coat out behind him. “Would you like to pet one?”

“I doubt they’d let me.” Her hand reached out anyway, though they were still a stretch away. Cerne wiggled his fingers and clicked his tongue. The entire flock rushed forward and surrounded them, bumping into his knees and hips. He brushed his hand over the birds and they purred.

“Animals tend to like me,” Cerne explained, seeing Meara’s raised eyebrows. In response, the little flock clucked happily.

“That makes sense. You turn into an animal,” Meara said coolly.

Cerne stood, allowing the chickens to swarm his shins. Brenna stroked the backs of the hens nearest to her and almost missed the way Cerne sought out Meara’s attention before saying, “I’ve been told this form is far more charming. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Debatable.” She crossed her arms.

“Can you turn into any animal?” Brenna asked, breaking the tension.

He shook his head. “Only my stag.”

Sighing, Meara looked him over. “Pity. I think you’d be more charming if you could transform into a cock like these. They certainly like you enough. ”

Brenna’s exhale turned into a snort of laughter, which she covered with her hand, warmth stinging her cheeks.

Cerne threw his head back and laughed heartily. “That’s quite the suggestion.”

Meara’s facade broke and her lips curved, her eyes alight. Hope flooded Brenna’s chest, seeing her sister relax and jest.

Cerne wiped at his eyes and cleared his throat. “As delightful as this has been, I think it’s time we return home to meet Tayen. I am looking forward to seeing you without this enchantment suppressing your magic.”

Brenna stood, anxiety sparking under her skin as they followed Cerne back.