Chapter 9: Her Hustle 1
Meanwhile, in another part of the packhouse, Lysandra paced back and forth in her room, her brow furrowed in frustration.
"A ball gown! How can I attend the king's ball without a gown?" she muttered to herself. Though her father had promised to get her the best gown, he was yet to do anything about it, and lysandra was greatly annoyed that her father was not paying her any heed. She was getting tired and feed up with her father's empty promises. Why make a promise when there's no intention of keeping it.
Her maid, Eliza, tried to calm her.
"Perhaps we can find something suitable in the city, my lady," she suggested.
Lysandra shook her head. "No, it must be perfect. I refuse to attend looking anything less than exquisite." "Hurry, bring out all the luxurious gowns that I've not worn yet, there must be something there that might be good enough for the ball".
Lysandra sat in her chamber, surrounded by a sea of fabric and lace, her maid Eliza by her side, helping her bring out all her gowns that she have not worn yet. She held up gown after gown, each one more extravagant than the last, but none seemed to satisfy her.
"I cannot possibly wear any of these to the king's birthday ball," Lysandra exclaimed, tossing another luxurious gown aside in frustration. "They are all too plain, too ordinary. I need something that will catch his attention, something that will make me stand out."
Lysandra have been secretly In-love with the king, since she meet him in one of the soirees she attended by chance. When he's arrival was announced, and she met him, she has never seen any man as handsome as he is. She tried to be where he could see her, but he had never looked her way which irked her to no end. She had heard of his reputation on how he bedded women but she didn't care, she wanted him.
Eliza tried to calm her mistress. "Perhaps we can add some embellishments, or find a more vibrant color," she suggested.
Lysandra shook her head, her eyes ablaze with determination. "No, it must be perfect. I need a gown that will make every eye in the room turn towards me, especially his."
As they continued to discuss the gown, a servant entered the room, a look of urgency on her face. "Forgive me for interrupting, my lady, but there is a seamstress named Rosaline here to see you. She says it's urgent."
Lysandra's eyes widened in excitement. "Perfect timing! Show her in," she said, rising from her seat.
As Rosaline entered the room, followed by another woman who Lysandra assumed was her assistant, Ciara, Lysandra couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Rosaline was stunningly beautiful, with a grace and elegance that seemed to radiate from her. Lysandra have only mingled with people of importance and never irrelevant people. As she set eyes on Rosaline, she couldn't help but feel intimidated by her beauty.
"I understand you are in need of a gown for the king's ball," Rosaline said, her voice soft but confident. "I believe I can create something truly spectacular for you."
Lysandra eyed Rosaline skeptically. "And why should I choose you over a famous seamstress?" she asked, her tone challenging.
Rosaline smiled, unfazed by Lysandra's skepticism. "Because, my lady, I bring a fresh perspective and a unique vision to my designs. I am not bound by tradition or expectations. I create gowns that are as unique and as extraordinary as the women who wear them."
Lysandra was taken aback by Rosaline's response. She had expected a more humble reply, but instead, she was met with confidence and self-assurance.
"I must admit, you intrigue me," Lysandra said, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "Show me what you have in mind for my gown, and we shall see if you are truly as talented as you claim to be."
As Rosaline and Ciara unfurled their designs, Lysandra's eyes widened in awe. The gowns were unlike anything she had ever seen, each one more exquisite than the last. Perhaps, she thought, this peasant seamstress could indeed create the gown of her dreams.
"This is... impressive," Lysandra admitted, her voice tinged with surprise. "You have a talent for design, Rosaline."
Rosaline smiled, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. "Thank you, my lady. I assure you, if you choose me to create your gown, you will not be disappointed."
Lysandra considered her options, weighing the risks and rewards of choosing a relatively unknown seamstress over a famous designer. In the end, her desire to stand out at the ball won out.
"Very well, Rosaline. You have convinced me," Lysandra said, a smile playing on her lips. "I will trust you to create my gown for the king's ball."
Rosaline bowed gracefully. "I am honored, my lady. I promise you, you will be the belle of the ball."
"How much will you charge to make the gown?, though I know that time is of great importance since the king's ball is less than 3 weeks away. I refuse to wear anything made in haste and too shabby".
"Worry not my lady, 3 weeks is enough time for me to finish your gown and for you to test if it's to your liking".
Lysandra nodded as she heard what Rosaline said. " And the price?"
"Six gold coins my lady. so I'll be able to buy the appropriate materials to make the gown".
"Alright, I'll give you two gold coins first and after you're done with the gown and am satisfied with it, the remaining balance will be paid to you".
Rosaline bowed gracefully to her " That's fine by me my lady".
As Rosaline and Ciara departed to begin work on the gown, Lysandra couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. Perhaps this ball would be the perfect opportunity to catch the king's attention and fulfill her own ambitions. She wants to be queen and she have always loved and admired the king, as she have always heard tales of bravery. But unfortunately for her, she had no idea that the king has chosen his bride.