Page 58 of Spirit Rites

“What’s her name?”

“Liella.”

“That’s beautiful.”

Rakel beams at me. “Thank you.” And then she gets right back to work. A few minutes later, she pulls some clothing from her bag. “Okay. Let’s see what I have that we can make work for today. Shirt off.”

I blink at her a moment and glance around. “Uh.”

Realization dawns on her. “I’ll turn around,” she says politely. When she turns around, I take Kaldar’s shirt off. But now I’m left with a whole new problem. I’m completely naked now. Well, at least I have my undergarments on. When she turnsback around, I try not to make a big deal of it. Thankfully, she doesn’t either. “Here. Slip this on.” I take the silky fabric and pull it over my head. She hands me a pair of silk pants next. I step into those as well. She steps back and looks at me a moment before she digs in her bag again. “Let’s try this one instead.” I try on two more shirts and another pair of pants before she’s satisfied. “Yes. I can make this work for today.”

She spends the next few minutes sticking pins into the fabric and ripping out stitches in another area. I don’t say anything; it’s just fascinating to watch her work. Finally, she steps back. “Yes. That will work nicely for today.” She spins me around. “Where’s the mirror? Ah.”

I follow her over to the bathing room where there’s a long mirror behind the door. I stop in front of the mirror. “Oh, wow. You’re a miracle worker.”

Rakel laughs lightly. “Not really. I had a great canvas to work with.”

I stare at the bright colored fabric. It’s brighter than anything I’ve ever worn before with pink and teal and yellow. But it looks like what I’ve seen the others wearing in this kingdom. The pants are silky and loose; they flow freely. I really like that. And the shirt wraps around my torso and ties at the side next to my hip. It’s flattering and looks like it was made for me. “I love this. Thank you, Rakel.”

“Hopefully, His Highness isn’t too disappointed in this new look.”

I feel my cheeks heat. “He’ll be fine.”

She gives me a knowing grin and begins to pack her bag. “I’m going to get to work. I’ll have another outfit for tomorrow and more in the days to come. Anything in particular you have in mind?”

“No. I trust you.” Liella lets out a little fuss, and Rakel works at pulling her out of the fabric she tied to her chest. I smile at that adorable little face.

“Do you want to hold her?” she asks.

“Of course.” Rakel passes her to me, and I can’t help my smile. “She is so precious.”

“She is.”

“Hey, Lovie.” Her big eyes fasten on my face, and she gives me the most adorable smile.

“Ooo, she likes you. I’ll have to remember that. Maybe you can watch her for me some time.”

I smile down at Liella. “I’d love to.” I hold her a few more minutes while Rakel finishes packing her bag.

“Oh, Kinsley,” I hear a singsong voice call out.

Rakel smiles at me. “I believe Mae is here.”

“I think you’re right.” I pass Liella back to her and straighten the outfit I’m wearing.

Rakel grabs her bag and walks out, and I follow. “Kinsley,” Mae calls out happily when she sees me. “Ooo, you look beautiful. I love your outfit. Rakel, you’re the best. Isn’t she the best, Kinsley?”

“How do you find time to breathe?” Harper asks her, and I shoot her a look that I hope she interprets to be nice.

“Good morning, Maelin,” Rakel says graciously.

“Good morning, Rakel,” Mae responds in kind.

“Are you ready?” Mae asks me with bright eyes.

“For what?”

She continues to beam at me. “We are going to the Grove today. My cousin reamed me out for not taking you yesterday, so I hope both of you are ready.” She looks between Harper and me.