Work Text:
I stood there as my husband circled me. It was funny losing sense of what I should be embarrassed about. I think Heather would be mortified at the thought of standing naked on a pedestal. Of course, this was far from the mortal realm. Cardan started measuring what he needed to sketch the dress I needed for the upcoming Masquerade. He had decided that his queen should only wear the best. The best being designed by him.
He stood up abruptly and walked out the door. I sighed. As much as I loved that Cardan had a hobby to distract him from the weight of the throne, it was frustrating when he got this involved in a project. I think I would lose a part of me if I didn’t have The Court of Shadows.
The day came for the Masquerade, and I was ready for it, except I still didn’t have my dress. Honestly, if it didn’t show up, that meant I didn’t have to go to the stupid ball. Cardan could humble the overbearing nobles. He was the charismatic one, of course. Cardan’s speech about me had scared off nobles from trying to make deals with me.
Cardan was being insufferable. He just kept smiling proudly at me. It was mildly scary—not that I am easily scared. I opened the door. Cardan was already inside because he left me with the Living Council. They really enjoyed that. I made good on my time with them. Some threats were made, a little bit of planned murder, still a little bit of time to actually commit the murder, I thought happily.
“Cardan?” I called. Then I turned the corner. Listen, I am not a girl easily swayed by pretty outfits and expensive makeup. That is my husband. However, the dress standing in front of me was straight out of my imagination.
Puffed sleeves, fishnet stockings, a full flare umbrella skirt, plenty of spots to hide my weapons as well as show them off. It was close to what a quinceañera dress looks like. Vibrant red hearts decorated the skirt of the dress. My husband poked his head out of nowhere.
“What? No ‘off with your head?!’”