Imperial Spy Read Online Free Page B

the services of a
dressmaker. I’m hardly unique in needing new clothes every now and again.’
    ‘Yes, my Lady. I’ll go and ask at once, my Lady.’
    Versande’s young daughter left with a flustered curtsy. The man was clearly resourceful, for within the hour a dressmaker was knocking at Lady Alyssa’s door.
    The dressmaker, a small, stout woman with a face that expressed little emotion, worked swiftly and with virtually no deference to Lady Alyssa’s rank or station. The moment Alyssa raised
her voice in complaint at the woman’s brusque voice and no-nonsense manner, the little dress-maker stopped what she was doing and fixed her with a firm stare.
    ‘Do you want a new dress by tomorrow, or not?’ she asked.
    ‘Well, of course I do—’
    ‘Very well,’ the dressmaker interrupted abruptly, ‘if you’re serious, then do as I tell you and give me no grief, or I’ll walk out of here right now. I can
guarantee that you’ll find no other willing to make you a dress in less than a day, and if they did, they would not have my skill. So, what will it be?’
    Femke was genuinely taken aback by the little woman’s manner and realised that she had met her match. There was little to be gained by playing the stuck-up Noblewoman, so she acquiesced
with a demure nod and allowed herself to be pulled and pushed around without a murmur as the dressmaker took a myriad of measurements. There were no others in the room to see her so humbled, and
Femke somehow doubted the dressmaker would speak of it. She did not seem the sort to gossip.
    The woman acclaimed herself the best dressmaker in Shandrim and refused to be told what to make.
    ‘I’ll make you a dress and you’ll like it, or you’ll not. It will matter little to me. I can always sell my wares,’ she stated, her head held high. With
Femke’s measurements all noted on a piece of slate, the woman whisked out of the room, leaving Femke to wonder what manner of garment she would be brought the next day.
    Femke need not have worried; the woman had not been bragging. The dress was stunning. It was made with a deep red silk and was perfectly complemented by superbly detailed
silver thread-work. The subtle cut of the neckline, the beautifully stitched bodice and the delicate trim around neck and cuffs were all exquisite. It was incredible that something so beautiful
could be created in less than a day.
    ‘Oh, wow!’ she breathed in awe. ‘That’s incredible. May I try it on, please?’
    ‘With that manner, you may,’ the dressmaker responded, clearly pleased by the effect of her work.
    ‘How is it that I’ve never heard of you before?’ Femke asked, unconsciously slipping out of character for a moment.
    ‘Well, I don’t just work for anyone, young Lady. Friends earn my work, and Versande has been a good friend over the years.’
    ‘Please, I have been terribly rude to you, for which I apologise. May I ask your name, for I would very much like to order clothes from you again in the future. You’re a
genius.’
    ‘You may ask, Lady Alyssa, and I’ll not turn down such an honest request. My name is Rikala, but giving you my name does not automatically grant you the right to my
services.’
    Rikala helped Femke into the dress, carefully fastening the long double row of tiny buttons up the full length of the back. It fitted perfectly, and Femke admired herself in the mirror.
    ‘It’s beautiful, Rikala. Thank you – thank you so much. How much do I owe you? Whatever the price it will be worth the result.’
    ‘Treat my work well, Lady Alyssa,’ Rikala replied. ‘I will know if you have not. You may pay Versande my fee. I’m sure that he will exact a fair price. Good day
now.’
    Incredible, she thought, twirling again in front of the glass. No matter how much I learn about Shandrim, there are always more surprises around the corner.
    To prove herself worthy of Rikala’s trust, Femke ordered a carriage to take her the short distance to the Palace