Remi knew what the girl was saying—she had allies in both Beb and Lorann if she needed them. Remi had a feeling she would need them.
“Mistress Beb, I understand you will be supplying me with an entire wardrobe, correct?”
Beb nodded. “Yes, the prince wants an entire wardrobe fit for his mate and future queen. I’m more than happy to assist you in any way possible. If you’d be so kind as to take the robe off, I can take measurements and then see what I have available already to fit you for the next couple days.” Beb drew a measuring tape from around her neck.
Remi blushed when she realized she would have to be naked in front of both of these women. “I don’t have any underclothes on.”
Beb snorted. “M’lady, I have seen almost every royal and their kin naked. There is nothing you have that would be of a shock to me. I’m sure Jeanae has seen things in this drafty old pile of rock that she’d rather not have seen.” Beb eyed Remi with a sparkle in her eye. “I’m given to understand she is to be your personal maid, yes?” When Remi nodded, Beb continued. “Over the coming years, I’m sure she’ll see more than she wants to so you may as well get over your shyness now.”
Beb indicated the box on the floor. If you’ll step up, m’lady, I’ll take the measurements, and we’ll get this over quickly.”
Remi stepped up on the box and, closing her eyes, untied the sash and let the robe drop. She felt someone’s hands grab the robe and it was whisked away. A pair of hands moved her arms out from her body, and the measuring began. Concentrating on the vision of the beautiful waterfall in the dragon’s cave, Remi still heard Beb speaking numbers to Jeanae and felt her hands moving the tape over her.
When Beb told her it was okay to get dressed, Remi’s eyes popped open. “You aren’t going to take an inseam measurement?”
Beb’s eyebrows rose high. “You want pants made? Royal and noble females don’t wear pants. It’s just not done.”
“But I’m not a royal. I’m a healer. I can’t be wearing dresses all the time. It would be a hindrance.”
Something close to awe came into Beb’s eyes. “You are a natural-born healer?”
Remi shifted uncomfortably. “I’m a natural-born healer. Please don’t let that get around just yet. I help any who come to me, but there are some I cannot heal even though they are desperate. A lot of myths have risen about healers, but they all aren’t true. If this got out…”
“Is that how you healed Heather’s hand? I saw the amount of blood that needed cleaned up, but the cut on her hand wasn’t big enough for that.” Jeanae looked at her in amazement while Beb’s jaw dropped.
Beb took Remi’s hand and bowed low over it, kissing her knuckles. “It has been far too long since a true healer was present in the Keep. Times are perilous, and the family needs a healer they can trust. You have my word that I’ll keep your secret.”
Beb straightened and then motioned for Remi to spread her legs. “Let me take the inseam measurement and then we’re done.” She quickly measured then rattled the number off to Jeanae, who wrote it on a small piece of paper and tucked it into her aunt’s satchel. Beb stood, placing her hands on her hips. She eyed Remi up and down, causing Remi to blush. “You have a fine figure, child-bearing hips. You are young and beautiful. You will make a fine addition to the family.”
Turning, she sifted through things lying on the foot of the bed and handed Remi a traditional pair of pantaloons. Remi held them up as if they were dripping mud. “Uhmm, no offense Mistress Beb, but…uhhh.”
Beb turned and looked at her. “What’s wrong?”
“Is there any way you can modify these for me?” Remi was still staring at the long-legged pantaloons and had totally forgotten she was standing there naked.
Beb’s brows drew down. “How do you want them modified?”
Remi stepped down from the box and walked to the edge of the bed, laying the pantaloons down. “Cut the legs off here and here and just put a simple hem in the opening. If you want to take a couple more measurements, I’d like all my panties made this way.”
Beb looked shocked. “You want men’s underwear?”
Remi raised her eyes and looked at Beb. “Is that what men’s underwear look like? I’ve never seen them so I wouldn’t know. But if that’s what they look like, then yes. They are extremely comfortable and cool in the summer.”
Beb looked from Remi to the pantaloons and back again. She stared at the pantaloons and slowly her eyebrows raised. Remi figured Beb’s eyebrows were a good indicator of her moods. Right now, Beb seemed to be contemplating a new line of lingerie for her business.
“I’ve made them for myself, but I’m no master seamstress. If you wanted to add frills and lace or make them from lace to match other pieces of lingerie…” Remi let her words trail off as Beb let a sly smile curve her lips. When she looked at Remi, she was wearing a full grin, and it made her look years younger.
“I think I need you to help develop new items for me. You have a good eye for sexy apparel.” Beb dug through the pile and pulled out a corset and laid it next to the pantaloons. “Do you want corsets and shifts or something else?”
Remi looked slightly uncomfortable and reached over for the robe laying on the bed. Slipping it on, she tied the belt before replying. “I’ve only had one corset, and that I got once I was an adult. I keep it only for formal town meetings when I need to appear before the council.”
Beb stood, contemplating, then looked at Remi. “I make some girls who are maturing a sleeveless shirt that is loose but has the support cups that corsets have.” Saying this, she cupped her hands in front of her larger chest to indicate what she was talking about. “I could make you one, with stronger material, of course, to add some support. When you’re wearing your pants, you’ll need something for underneath. The city tends to be hotter than outlying areas so I could use thinner material. I’ll make you a couple corsets to go with the formal wear, and once you try on this undershirt, we’ll see what needs changed and go from there. Now, Jeanae, help Lady Remi to get ready while I alter some of these for tonight.”
Jeanae indicated for her to sit in front of a vanity with a large mirror as Beb reached into her work bag and pulled out scissors, needle, and thread. Remi wondered what had she gotten herself into.
Chapter 13
Xan closed the door behind Remi and leaning on it, hung his head and struggled for control. He had lost control, and that was inexcusable. Even though she had said she was fine, he felt like a heel for taking her on the floor. His dragon snorted at him, telling him he wasn’t believing for a moment that Xan regretted making love with Remi. “It’s not the act, it’s how I took her. She deserves a soft bed, silk sheets, gentle caresses…”
“Our True One enjoyed what we did. She was willing, and she wants us.”
Xan couldn’t argue. He stepped back into the tub. Scrubbing his hair and body, he continued his inner discussion with his dragon. Round and round they went, never solving anything.
Xan ducked under the water to rinse off, and when he came up, his younger brother Rizon was sitting on the bench, drinking a flagon of ale and looking totally dust encrusted.
“Brother. I wasn’t sure if you were going to come up or not. Have you decided to drown yourself since you found your mate?” Rizon’s voice was deeper even than Xan’s, but he looked more like Jarok. Blond warrior’s braids swept from the sides of his head back to be tied with the rest of his hair with a leather thong. His sweat-stained clothes were still partially covered in road grime, and he looked uncomfortable.
“Rizon. Did they drag you home or did you ride?”
“I received a message via courier and rode hard all the way home. I couldn’t believe the news and thought maybe a coup had taken over the Keep. Reginald confirmed that the message was accurate, but I had to see for myself before I cleaned up. So it’s true your True One has been found?” Rizon raised an eyebrow at his brother before drinking deeply from his cup again.
“It is true. She�
��s in the mate suite getting ready for the family dinner this evening.” Xan walked out of the tub and grabbed the towel his brother held out. “Which I suggest you have Reginald get someone to draw you a bath so you can take the time to soak some of that grime loose before you try to wash it off.”
As Xan dried himself off, he eyed his brother. Rizon was never talkative at the best of times, yet now he seemed off. “Is something wrong, Brother? You haven’t asked this many questions since we were children?”
Rizon stayed silent, staring into his ale as if trying to find the answers to the most profound of questions.
“Rizon?”
When he raised his head, Xan saw his brother’s dragon looking out of Rizon’s eyes. “At times, my dragon seems to push me harder than normal. Is that what you were feeling before…” Rizon stopped and looked into his cup again, a deep sigh escaping his lips.
Xan stepped up to him and set his hand on Rizon’s shoulder. “Rizon. When I realized I was near the end of my control, there was no questioning it. I wanted to tear this city apart. I wanted to attack any male that came near me, just to take out some aggression. My dragon fought me every second of the day and night. You are twenty-five so you might be feeling the early effects. If you feel it’s that bad, talk to me. I can try to help.”
“Anaxandros, my brother, I can honestly say that while my dragon is pushing me to find our mate, I haven’t felt like leveling the city or destroying the armies.” Rizon looked at him again, and it was once more his brother’s blue eyes. “Now, can you back away? I really don’t need your mighty sword swinging in my face.” Rizon laughed, ducking as Xan swung a playful punch at him.
“Go, pup. I have to get ready myself.”
“Yes, old man. It will take hours to make you presentable so your woman doesn’t run screaming into the night,” Rizon said over his shoulder as he sauntered from the room. His laughter echoed down the hall, and Xan smiled. Tension had been coming off his brother when they’d first started talking. Xan made a mental note to have a longer talk with his brother. He wanted to make sure none of his brothers went through what he had in the last few months.
Tossing the towel in with the dirty linens, Xan strolled into his room naked. Lorann was present with Reginald, and she gracefully turned her back and stepped into the sitting area. Reginald indicated the clothes he had assembled for him to wear this evening, and Xan rolled an exasperated eye at Reginald. Laying on the bed was not the comfortable clothes he normally would wear, but a dressier version.
“My lord, your father will expect you to dress appropriately when introducing your mate. And may I suggest sir, that white shirt with the royal blue vest will be very appropriate attire?” Reginald raised an eyebrow at Xan as he tilted his head and backed from the room. Xan raised an eyebrow back at him and chuckled as the doors closed. A pair of loose linen pants in black were matched with a white long-sleeve dress shirt and a navy vest shot with silver thread. As he ran an appreciative finger over the vest, he heaved a sigh and grabbed his underwear. He had a lot he needed to talk to Remi about, but it just didn’t seem that it was the right time, or there was no time available. He’d have to sit down and talk to her tomorrow about what all would be coming up in the next few days. As he got dressed, Xan made mental lists of what needed done before the ceremonies.
* * * *
Remi stood in front of the full-length mirror and just stared. She didn’t know who that stranger in the mirror was, but it wasn’t her. Jeanae had left her hair loose except for pulling tendrils from her temples back into a small braid. The natural waves caused her hair to tumble down her back almost to her waist.
The dress itself was a work of art, even without being made for her. Beb had worked wonders with her needle, altering the dress to fit her perfectly. It was the blue of a spring sky that skimmed her curves like a lover’s hand. Half-length sleeves ended just above her elbow, and the bodice was cut perfectly to show off her impressive cleavage. Gathered slightly at the waist, the skirt swept down to the ground and had a very small train that fanned out just behind her. Embroidery and lace along the skirt hem were of midnight blue with vines twining partly up the skirt. The same lace and embroidery graced the neckline and shoulders.
But the thing that made the biggest difference in her appearance was that between the color of the dress and the light make-up Jeanae had applied, Remi’s eyes glowed. She had always thought her eyes a plain, dull blue but with the skill of these two ladies, her eyes twinkled the brilliant blue of sapphires. She looked like she was a royal, like she belonged in this place. She would almost say she was beautiful, but she wasn’t used to seeing herself dressed like this. She couldn’t help but think of what working in a garden, feeding animals, and scrubbing laundry would do to her hands, hair, and the finery she was standing in.
“M’lady, you look beautiful. Oh, it’s going to be such a joy to dress you!” Beb couldn’t contain her laughter as she stood behind Remi, adjusting a fold here, tucking a sleeve there. Remi still felt odd with the corset pushing her cleavage up and restricting her breathing just slightly. She felt like if she didn’t lean backward, her now more-prominently displayed breasts would cause her to face-plant on the floor. Oh, the struggles women went through to look good for a man.
The slippers Jeanae had tied onto her feet felt odd. The soles were hard but flexible while the body was of a midnight blue satin to match the trim of her dress and tied with ribbons to her knees. Jeanae had woven a matching ribbon into her hair braid.
“Am I presentable enough for the royals? What will Xan’s mother think?” Remi had been trying desperately to ignore the butterflies in her stomach caused by having to meet the Royal Family.
In the mirror, she saw Beb and Jeanae meet the other’s eyes behind her and turned to face them. “What? What is wrong?”
Beb took Remi’s hands between her own and said gently, “The queen died in childbirth almost eight years ago. The royals decided to keep it quiet due to the fact the king didn’t follow her into the afterlife. No one knows why, and no one asks. The princes have all been trying to keep up appearances, and struggling to raise their sister, Princess Theodora. While the other houses know of her death, they know that with the political problems of dealing with the rebels, it’s better to appear united and strong. If any should doubt the king can hold the throne…”
Remi nodded and stared at the window beyond Beb’s shoulder. The glorious colors of sunset were still apparent, though the sun itself was below the horizon. New doubts about what Xan had told her appeared. If the king hadn’t immediately followed his mate, was she his True One? According to what Xan had told her, his mother would have had to have been the king’s True One. How was the king still here if the shifter immediately followed his True One?
Remi was drawn from her thoughts when a knock sounded on her outer door. Jeanae went to answer as Remi collected herself and headed for the sitting room, as well.
Xan was standing just inside the door, and her breath halted in her chest. He was dressed in a white dress shirt under a dark blue vest which was laced up with, of all things, light blue ribbons. The vest emphasized the spread of his shoulders and hugged his muscled torso all the way to his waist. His pants were black and loose but tucked into shining knee-high black leather boots.
His hair lay in a straight, shining flow down over his shoulders both front and back and the light caused highlights of blue to shine off it. His eyes, oh his eyes caused Remi to squeeze her thighs tightly together as tingles began in her womb again. She didn’t know what it was about this man, but he affected her just by being in the same room.
Xan stepped toward where she had stopped, and his eyes gleamed as he looked her over. “You are exquisite, my love. I need to dress you in silks and velvets every day for the rest of your life.” Xan took her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips, staring into her eyes as if transfixed.
Remi blushed. She wasn’t used to compliments, and Xan was looking at her very strangely
. Even with his dragon in his eyes, he was a handsome male.
“You clean up well yourself, Xan.” She lowered her gaze to the ribbons closing his vest and grinned. “Though your ribbons do match my dress perfectly…”
“A little bird must have told Reginald that we needed to match. Lo and behold, when I finished with my bath these were laying out for me to wear. I would be honored for you to go to dinner on my arm, Lady Remunada.” Xan presented his arm to her, patiently waiting for her.
Remi smoothed her hands down her skirt one more time and looked at Beb and Jeanae.
“You look lovely, lady. I will clean up the items we used, and I will be back at nine in the morning.” Beb curtsied to her and Xan and backed into the bedroom. Jeanae stepped up and brushed imaginary lint from the edges of Remi’s sleeves and across her back, setting her hair just so.
“You look lovely, m’lady. I’ll be here later to assist you before bed.” With that, she, too, curtsied and exited the room.
Taking a deep breath, Remi slid her hand around Xan’s elbow and waited for him to lead the way. Xan laid his huge hand over hers and gently squeezed. “You are beautiful, no matter what you wear. Now, no nerves. No one in the Keep will do anything but compliment your beauty. If they don’t, I’ll turn them into a squishy puddle between my dragon’s toes.”
Remi let out a very unladylike snort trying to hold in the giggles. “Xan, you cannot threaten everyone for having opinions. Besides, it’s not just anyone I’m worried about, it’s your family. I’m sure they had someone better…”
Xan’s hand covered her mouth. “What did I tell you, little one? I will allow no one, not even you, to put down my soul mate. Every time you do, you rack up disciplinary action against yourself. While I will wait until after the ceremony to discipline you, I will be keeping track.” Looking up into his eyes, a shiver ran down her spine as his dragon peeked at her and the fires burned a bit brighter in Xan’s eyes.
The Dragon's Soul: Xan (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 10