A White Witch

Aylin's gaze traveled along the trees which lined the path their carriage was currently traveling along. She shifted in her seat and glanced at Rhea who sat in front of her before looking down at the dark blue dress she wore which Rhea picked for her when she came barging into her room this morning, informing her that they were going out.

Earlier that morning...

Walking out of the bathroom, Aylin halted her steps when she saw Rhea in her room, rummaging through her closet while Dahlia stood timidly at the side, her head hung low.

"Rhea?" Aylin called, getting their attention.

Rhea, who was in the middle of throwing some more clothes on the bed, turned to Aylin and smiled widely. "Aylin! You're out. Good morning!" She greeted cheerfully.

"Milady," Dahlia smiled at her, relieved that she was finally out of the bathroom and that she wouldn't be alone with Rhea.

Aylin turned to Dahlia and seeing the grateful expression she had on, Aylin nodded to her. "You can go."

Dahlia glanced at Rhea before smiling at Aylin, "Thank you Milady!" she said before scurrying out of the room.

Aylin walked closer to Rhea and with a frown, she questioned, "What are you doing?" noting that Rhea was already dressed, albeit grandly like always.

"I'm picking out a cloth for you to wear!" Rhea answered as she continued assessing Aylin's dresses.

"Why?"

"We're going out!"

"Where?"

"To a dressmaker! We're going to get the dresses we will wear tomorrow." Rhea explained as she held two dresses and her eyes kept darting between the both like she was contemplating which one to choose.

After listening to what Rhea said, Aylin's frown deepened. "Wait, didn't we buy new clothes yesterday?"

"Did we?" Rhea asked, raising her eyebrow before sighing, she stopped, threw the clothes she held on the bed, and faced Aylin. "You can't wear those dresses to the palace tomorrow. Look!" —she gestured to the bed with her hands— "These dresses are not good enough, you need to wear something that will make you stunning, bring out your beauty. And guess what? I know just the place where we can get the dresses that are going to fit not only you but the occasion perfectly!" She said the last part a little loudly with her ever-chirpy voice, a broad smile gracing her lips.

Aylin sat on the bed, "But it's just lunch." she said, not seeing the reason why Rhea was so worked up.

"With the royal family!" Rhea exclaimed.

"That you don't seem to like?" Aylin added, raising her eyebrow.

"So? That doesn't mean that I don't need to dress up and look great," Rhea shrugged and continued her mission of picking out a cloth for Aylin who sighed and stared at her for some time before frowning.

"Wait! If we are simply going to the dressmaker, why are you picking out a cloth for me to wear?"

Rhea paused, "Because... I feel like it."

"Alright…?" Aylin drawled and stood up before walking to the dressing table where she took a comb and started combing through her hair.

"Ah ha!" Rhea clamored, causing Aylin to whirl around.

"What happened?" Aylin dropped the comb.

"I found it! Look!" Rhea said and gestured to the dress in her hand.

Aylin's gaze went from Rhea to the dress and she started it. It was a dark blue and gray tulle off-shoulder dress with little puffy sleeves — simple but sophisticated.

"It's beautiful," Aylin acknowledged and Rhea nodded.

"I know, now let's get you ready."

Rhea helped get ready and after eating breakfast, they set out.

Present...

Aylin looked back up and stared straight at Rhea who had also been looking outside the window. "So, where exactly are we going?" She asked, making Rhea turn to look at her. "You haven't exactly told me where we are going, you know? The only thing I know is that we're going to a dressmaker."

"Yes, we're going to a dressmaker, who has a shop which is located in a town called Ditas," Rhea replied.

"Ditas?" Aylin asked and Rhea nodded.

"Yes, Ditas—" she leaned forward— "Listen, Ditas is nothing like Valledives, it's the total opposite; Dangerous and dreary. A lot of black witches live there and-" As soon as Rhea said that part, Aylin's eyes widened.

"What?! Black witches?" No, she didn't want to meet or see any black witches. "Rhea, can't we go somewhere else? Do we need to get the dresses from there?"

"Yes, Aylin we need to." Rhea replied and Aylin's expression worsened and Rhea burst out laughing." "Don't worry, it's not that bad. I'm just kidding."

Aylin glared at her. "Seriously Rhea?!"

Did she it was fu*king funny? She'd been so scared.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I was exaggerating. Black witches live there but they wouldn't dare attack anyone in broad daylight." She stated but that didn't ease Aylin's worries.

Sighing, Rhea chose to talk about something else. "The dressmaker is a black witch and it's not just about choosing a dress, it's the dress that's going to choose you," She said and Aylin stared at her confusedly.

"I don't understand–"

"Alright, so how shall I say this... At his shop, there are a different array of dresses for different people but you're not going to be the one to choose, it's the dress that is going to choose you. And do you know what's great about it? The dresses are always perfect for anyone they choose, from the style to the color, to the height and size, it always fits perfectly." Rhea explained with a grin and Aylin nodded slowly.

"I see... " She said wearily.

"Aylin, you don't need to worry, nothing is going to happen. Those witches are nothing compared to me, trust me. Besides, we have Karl with us right?" Rhea asked and Aylin nodded, giving her a tight-lipped smile.

"Okay, I will try not to worry." She stated and they continued riding until they reached their destination.

Rhea led the way toward the shop and Aylin followed behind her. She looked around, observing everything in wonder, she even got distracted watching the townspeople's interaction and she couldn't help but think that a black witch could be among them. Rhea noticed that Aylin had gotten distracted by the townspeople around them since her brows furrowed together.

"Are you worried about meeting a black witch?" Rhea asked and watched as Aylin turned to her.

"To be honest, I am," Aylin muttered and Rhea chuckled.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine. After all, I'm here right beside you. So just focus on what we came to do, alright?" She reassured and Aylin nodded in agreement.

A few moments later, they reached the entrance of the shop. Aylin eyed the sign hanging in front of the door as Rhea opened it for her, following her inside the shop.

When they stepped inside, she heard a female voice speak. "Welcome, Milady! What can I do for you?"

Aylin looked at the woman who was greeting them from behind the counter and she felt strange when she saw the woman's face. Her eyes were bright green and her skin was pale, almost white. Her long brown hair was tied in a bun and she wore a black dress with a red sash wrapped around her waist.

"We are here to buy dresses. If you don't mind, I would like to see your boss." Rhea politely said with a smile.

"Of course, Milady, please, come with me," she said, motioning for them to follow her.

They followed the women deeper into the building and as soon as they approached another open area, Aylin saw that the shop had a large display of gowns in the middle of the room.

As soon as the women walked past the display, they arrived in front of a tall and lean man who had short light gray hair with a small mustache on his chin and a pair of piercing hazel eyes.

Immediately he noticed Rhea, the man left the person he was talking to and smiled, coming towards her. "To what do I owe this visit, Lady Rhea?" he asked, bowing down slightly.

"I and my friend here need two stunning dresses," Rhea answered, gesturing to Aylin.

The man lifted his head and stared at Aylin for some time before chuckling, "Of course, I'm sure that you will find the dresses you are looking for, or maybe it will find you." He smirked.

Rhea rolled her eyes, "Yes, we know that."

"And you must also know that you will have to wait for your turn. You know how it works here right don't you?" He gestured to the people on the other side of the room. "Now, If you'll excuse me." With that, he excused himself and went back behind one of the racks.

"So we will have to wait?" Aylin asked and Rhea nodded.

"Yes, we will." She replied before walking to one of the chairs where other people were seated while waiting for their turn.

Aylin sighed, sitting next to Rhea in the chair. She closed her eyes, trying to relax but she couldn't because it felt like someone was watching her. Aylin discarded the feeling and leaned back against the chair, yet something still nagged at her and it was bothering her.

Aylin suddenly opened her eyes and immediately looked to her right and she found herself staring at the woman she saw at the market—the white witch.

They both held each other's stare for some time until the woman turned away and walked away.

A frown settled on Aylin's face as she stared at the woman's retreating back covered in a black cloak.

What was she doing here and why was she staring at her like that?

Curiosity sparked in Aylin's mind and she turned to Rhea who had her eyes closed.

"Rhea," She called.

"Mm?"

"I need to check on something. I will be right back." Aylin spoke softly as she quickly got to her feet.

"Alright, don't take long," Rhea responded, glancing at Aylin as she did, "And take Karl with you," She added.

Aylin smiled and nodded. "I will," she replied and left with Karl following behind her.

Aylin walked to where the woman stood earlier and glanced around, wondering where the witch could have gone.

What was she even doing? Sighing, Aylin turned around and started to walk back and then stopped suddenly when she saw her again.

The white witch was standing a few meters away from her, staring at her intently.

Aylin was sure that she didn't see her there before, so when did she—

Her thoughts were interrupted when the witch began to walk toward her, a small smile lingering on her lips.

"I see we meet again," The witch's voice was low and smooth.

"Yeah, we do," Aylin replied and raised her eyebrows, "So...What are you doing here?" She added, glancing around.

"I could ask the same of you, Milady."

"I... Well, I'm here to buy a dress," Aylin told her honestly.

The white witch raised her eyebrows, "Wasn't that what you did yesterday?"

"What? How did you—"

Right. She was a witch. Of course, she knew.

So weird.

"Yes... But this one's for a special occasion. Anyway... what about you?" Aylin questioned, changing the subject.

The white witch smiled, "Came to meet a friend," she said, turning her body to face Aylin better. "My name is Eira, by the way."

"Aylin," she offered and Eira's smile widened.

She looked at Aylin for a brief moment and her smile faded. "You don't belong here do you?" She asked with a frown and Aylin blinked at her question in confusion.