74 Dress of Many Layers (1/1)
”Do you really think this is a good idea?” Kyera asked as Mally wrapped her in silks and lace. She tied and adjusted so many things and layers that Kyera wasn'tsure how to take the outfit off anymore. It was so much more complex than hershift in the forest. Mally looked at her and offered a smile, the pins she was holding in between her pale, unpainted lips bounced, emphasizing the expression.
”Yes. We have to make sure you have a good cover before you become one of the Rebellion, Kyera. Afterall, you can'texpect to live as a tiger all the time. You will chance Beasting.” Mally chided, she shivered involuntarily at the mention of beasting. ”You are at a greater risk you know, after the last time you fell to it.”
It was a illness… or more a total personality shift whena shifter spent too long in its second form. They would begin to lose their humanity. Voice, compassion, comradeship, and anything not naturalto their Wild One brethren. Kyera had seen in twice before, and she bit her lip remembering those cold, blank eyes. She had no memory of the days the Beasting had taken place in her body, after her brothers died.She remembered waking up in Verone's arms with him beggingher to come backto him.
”Alright, I get it.” Kyeraconceded but then, she pouted slightly. ”but how am i supposed to learn how to dress myself?” she asked, a slight whine in her voice. Mally couldn'thelp but laugh.
”Later, once this fits you properly ill stitchsome of the pieces together to simplify the steps.” Mally promised, as if trying to appease a child. She had been here so long, wearing these complicated garments was second nature. Now, whenever she put on her emerald shifting dress from the forest, she felt indecent. She had no delusions that Kyera would learn to be the same, but she knew she couldlearn to tolerateit.
”Lets go over it again, The Emperor is trusting but if a queen is there you will need to match me perfectly.”
”Okay, I am here to visit you and offer my medical skills that i recentlylearned from our shared Teacher in order to improve yourability.” Kyera recited, raising herarms so the fabricwas out of the way as Mally checkedthe seams. The leopard nodded.
”Go on.” she said muffled as she pinned a section and began quickly stitching it into place. Kyera's willowy formwas so well toned that the dress buckled too much at the waist.
”My objectiveis to somehow get the Emperor to offer me a place as a Palace Girl or Beauty and dedicate myself to take care of animals and the garden. If nothingelse, just get permission to visit frequently to continue your training.” Kyera continued, and after running through their back story again Mally nodded approvingly.The leopardess stepped back and circledher, admiring herhandiwork. The dress was perfect. They just needed to do Kyera's hair and they would be goodas gold.
”Exactly.Remember the Emperor is always His Majesty, or My Lord Emperor. The Queens are First Queen Kira and Second Queen Fae. Your grace can get by if they are in a good mood.” Mally added feeling a little apprehensive.The Emperor had a good temper and was more forgiving than the two queens.
”Yes, I remember. However. I fail to see how this will help me break this magical noose.” Kyera replied touching her waist. Far beneath the layers of fabric, a magic twine twisted through her insidesthreateningto cause pain the moment she tried to break the contract.The collar that it was attached to was carefullyhidden, bucked around her upper arm, out of site in the flowy dress. Mally sighed softly.
”If we are lucky we can buy you enoughtime to find out what the conditionfor your releasefromthe spell is. If we can findthat out, we can break it.” Mally explained sounding optimistic.Deep in her heart she knew the chances were slim. There was a good chance they had woven a loophole into the curse, just as they had with Mally's. She could never return home, but she prayed Kyera was not so unfortunate. Mally had adapted to the palace but…. Kyera… her peoplewere her life.Without them would she strive to survive?