13

Before leaving the city of Lycan, Aurelia Delensar made a stop at the finest dressmaker in town. It had been ages since she last indulged in new attire, and she couldn't resist selecting ten voluminous gowns, each more exquisite than the last. Every dress was adorned with intricate whalebone farthingales and corsets, designed to accentuate her already slender waist. The tightness of the corset made her feel as though a single breath might snap her in two, but Aurelia was accustomed to such discomfort. The corset and farthingale were almost extensions of her body, and their absence during her recent travels had left her feeling incomplete.

"...Tighter, please. I can handle this size without issue," Aurelia insisted, bracing herself against the dressing room bench as the seamstress adjusted the laces.

After a struggle, the dress was finally secured, and Aurelia took a moment to catch her breath before stepping out of the dressing room. She added a delicate hat to her ensemble, completing the look with a flourish. Caelum Valtaris, her ever-silent shadow, followed behind, dutifully handling the payment.

As Aurelia prepared to leave, Caelum finally spoke up, his voice low and measured. "My lady, we have a long journey ahead."

"I'm aware," Aurelia replied, glancing down at her new heeled shoes. "Are you concerned about the shoes? Don't worry, you can carry me if needed."

Caelum hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "The dress... it's not suited for extended travel."

Aurelia misunderstood his concern, thinking he found the dress cumbersome. She sighed, her tone softening. "My brother always said a lady must wear a corset. I've worn one since I was a child. I'm used to it."

"But it causes you discomfort," Caelum pressed, his golden eyes flickering with concern.

Aurelia looked up at him, her ruby-red eyes meeting his. Caelum was a towering figure, his dark skin and hair contrasting with the sharpness of his features. He was a man of few words, but his loyalty was unwavering. For the first time, Aurelia noticed the gentleness beneath his stoic exterior.

"I'm used to it," she repeated, offering him a soft smile. It was a dismissal, but a kind one.

Caelum said nothing more, knowing better than to argue with his lady. Yet, as they left the dressmaker's, he couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. In his world, such constraints were unheard of. Women were cherished, not confined.

Later, while Aurelia enjoyed tea at the finest café in Lycan, Caelum retrieved her newly cleaned dress. When he returned, he handed her a neatly wrapped package—and another containing the shattered remains of her corset and farthingale.

Aurelia's lips twitched as she held up the broken whalebone, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, my dear Caelum, would you care to explain why my corset and farthingale are in pieces?"

Caelum remained silent, kneeling before her with his head bowed, ready to accept her wrath.

Aurelia glared at him, her frustration mounting. "You're insufferable!" she snapped, turning on her heel and storming off. Her heels clicked sharply against the tiled floor, but her dramatic exit was cut short when one of the heels snapped, sending her tumbling backward.

Caelum moved swiftly, catching her before she hit the ground. He held her gently, his arm encircling her impossibly slender waist. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to marvel at how easily he could hold her.

"My lady, are you all right?" he asked, his voice calm and steady.

Aurelia's face burned with embarrassment. She had never felt so humiliated in her life. Tears welled in her eyes as she struggled to compose herself. "Let me go!" she demanded, her voice trembling.

Caelum released her immediately, his expression unreadable. Aurelia stood, her cheeks flushed with anger and shame. She pointed a finger at him, her voice sharp. "From this moment on, you are forbidden to speak to me!"

Caelum's eyes widened in shock, but when he opened his mouth to respond, no sound came out. The Bloodbound Oath had taken effect.

Aurelia blinked, surprised by the sudden silence. She had always been skeptical of the magic that bound them, but now she saw its power firsthand. Caelum was truly under her control.

A small laugh escaped her lips as she looked at him, his usually composed demeanor replaced with confusion. "Oh, very well," she said, her mood lifting. "You may speak again."

Caelum exhaled in relief, his voice returning. "Thank you, my lady."

Aurelia waved a hand dismissively, her earlier anger forgotten. "Let's go. We have a journey to continue."

As they left the café, Caelum couldn't help but smile to himself. His lady was beginning to soften toward him, and he was determined to prove himself worthy of her trust—and perhaps, one day, her heart.