Chapter 17: The Shopping Excursion (Part 2)

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows over the cobbled streets of the market district. The scent of fresh herbs, roasted meats, and fragrant incense filled the air. Cassia marveled at the bustling city—a place full of energy and color, where the finest merchants from all over Velmora displayed their wares. She had never been to a market like this, filled with the vibrant sights and sounds of street vendors calling out their goods in melodic tones.

Beside her, Selene moved with practiced grace, her gaze sharp as she navigated the crowd. "Come now, Cassia," Selene said, her voice light and filled with excitement. "I know just the place to find a dress worthy of your beauty."

Cassia's cheeks flushed, unsure of the attention, but Selene was insistent, practically pulling her toward a shop with a grand awning adorned in rich tapestries. The shop was an oasis of silk and embroidered fabrics, stacked high like treasures of the gods. The scent of fragrant oils lingered in the air, and the fine cloths shimmered like the evening sky.

"This is it," Selene declared, her eyes scanning the display. "The finest gowns in all of Kadia, I promise you."

Cassia followed Selene into the shop, the air cool and inviting. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes from Velmora's grand history—great battles, royal processions, and sacred festivals. Merchants dressed in flowing robes embroidered with symbols of their trade eagerly approached them.

"I've heard much about you, Lady Selene," the merchant said, bowing low. "And I can see your friend is a woman of great taste. Please, come and see our finest gowns."

Selene smiled warmly. "We're just here for something… special. My friend, Cassia, deserves something that speaks to her beauty and strength."

The merchant quickly gestured to a set of intricately woven dresses, each one more regal than the last. The fabrics were dyed in rich jewel tones—emerald, sapphire, and amethyst—and stitched with delicate golden threads that caught the light. Cassia's gaze lingered on the royal blue gown, adorned with ancient symbols of power, the fabric soft and luxurious to the touch.

"This one," Selene said, picking up the gown. "It will suit you perfectly, Cassia."

Cassia hesitated. She had never worn anything like this before. "I… I'm not sure."

Selene laughed, the sound like music. "Trust me, you will feel different once you wear it. Come, try it on. The twins can give their opinion, if you'd like."

Cassia hesitated, feeling nervous under the watchful eyes of the twins, who had been trailing them through the market, their footsteps quieter than most. Dorian was smirking as always, while Castor kept a more neutral stance, though his eyes were fixed on the dresses with interest.

"Are you sure I should let them have a say?" Cassia asked.

"Of course," Selene teased. "They seem quite... knowledgeable when it comes to appearances."

With a sigh, Cassia entered one of the dressing chambers, the heavy curtains falling shut behind her. The gown slipped easily over her form, the rich fabric flowing to the ground like a river of midnight. She emerged hesitantly, her hands nervously adjusting the fabric as she stepped into the open.

Dorian's reaction was immediate. He put a hand to his chest, feigning a dramatic swoon. "By the gods! It's as though the night sky itself has come to walk among us!"

Cassia's cheeks burned. "It's too much, isn't it?"

"Too much?" Dorian gasped, clutching his heart in exaggerated shock. "No, no, it is just enough! You look divine, my lady. A vision of the gods themselves. Castor, don't just stand there—speak your mind!"

Castor, who had been silent until then, let out a low whistle. "It's... perfect," he said simply. "The gown suits you well. It brings out your strength without hiding your grace."

Cassia felt a sense of pride blooming in her chest, though she still felt a bit awkward. "I don't usually wear dresses like this. I'm not used to being admired."

Selene smiled warmly, walking up to Cassia and adjusting the fabric gently. "That's the whole point, dear. You deserve to be seen, not just for your beauty, but for the strength that radiates from you. A dress is only a reflection of the power you already possess."

Cassia's eyes softened. "Thank you, Selene."

As Cassia went back to change, Dorian whispered to his brother, his voice teasing. "I should start charging for my fashion advice. I'm clearly an expert in class and elegance."

Castor rolled his eyes, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You're ridiculous."

Selene, hearing the exchange, raised an eyebrow. "You should both know that any true expert in fashion is someone who knows how to keep their comments brief and to the point. And, Dorian—no more swooning."

Dorian put up his hands in mock defense. "I promise nothing."

Cassia returned, this time in a soft golden gown, the fabric flowing gracefully as she moved. It was a much simpler design, but it made her feel more like herself. She stepped out, her head held high. The twins' reaction was immediate, though this time they kept their comments brief.

Dorian, ever the dramatic one, leaned forward. "There you go, the goddess of the sun herself." He gave a nod of approval.

Castor, more serious, gave a curt nod. "Simple and elegant. It suits you well."

Cassia couldn't help but smile at their different styles of praise. "Thank you, both of you," she said, her voice warm. "I think I'll go with this one."

Selene beamed. "A wise choice. It's a perfect blend of strength and softness, just like you."

The merchant eagerly wrapped the dress in a bundle, and the group made their way out of the shop, the sun now low in the sky, casting long shadows as they made their way back toward the Obsidian Fortress. Cassia felt a strange sense of joy in her heart, a newfound confidence building with each step. She wasn't just a girl who hid in the shadows anymore—she was learning to step into the light.

As they walked, Dorian couldn't resist one last comment.

"Next time, Selene, we're picking out a gown for me. Clearly, I have the taste for it."

Selene rolled her eyes but smiled. "No one needs to see you in a gown, Dorian."

Cassia laughed, the sound ringing out like the chime of bells, and for the first time in a long while, she felt like she truly belonged.

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