The Time Tournament (Order of the Dragon #1)

CHAPTER 34

Elena

February 1431

T he dressmaker’s chamber was located close to the ballroom. The entrance looked unassuming, marked only by a needle and thread sign hanging on the door. Once inside, we discovered a fairy tale world of medieval fashion. This was likely where all the princesses, both fairy tale and real, had their dresses made. The smell of new fabrics and dye welcomed us first. Despite our presence, no apprentice paid us any heed. Each of them was focused on the task at hand. Some cut fabric with large scissors, others pinned garments on mannequins, and another group sewed embroidery by hand.

The table gathered all a tailor would need: various types of fabrics such as silks, velvet, and linen, jars of buttons, needles, measuring tapes, and thimbles.

On display were mannequins dressed just as regally as the queen, following current medieval trends. The walls were covered in tapestries showcasing various styles from different periods in fashion history.

It wasn’t until we stepped deeper into the lair of the seamstress that we were welcomed by a good-natured woman. She didn’t look much different from the apprentices, but something about her told me she was the one in charge.

“How can I help you, young ladies?” she asked in a soft voice.

“We are here at the behest of the queen,” Tarra spoke.

“For the ball,” added Soraya.

“I just received the news today, but despite our busy schedule, we’ll create the most stunning dresses for you.” She smiled. “Veronica, please take the measurements of these young ladies. We’ll need to start as soon as possible.”

“Yes, Mother,” the young girl said as she emerged from behind a velvet curtain.

Both mother and daughter, with soft tendrils escaping their updos, had blonde hair and blue eyes, though the mothers were darker.

“My name is Eleonóra, and this is my daughter, Veronica. She’s going to take care of you at this stage. But first, please tell me what you would like your dress to be? ”

“Brown is fine,” Soraya said. “I don’t care much, as long as I can attend the ball.” She peered at Tarra with loving eyes.

“Well, I want it black,” Tarra said proudly.

“Black, young lady? It is hard to achieve a true black color, and aren’t you part of the Crimson House? Some red is to be expected.”

“I want it black, and you can add red trimmings if you wish.”

“Very well, Miss. I can search for some black velvet in my atelier.” Eleonóra nodded her head softly. “And you?”

“I want it all red.”

“All red?” Eleonóra’s mouth formed an O. “You ladies have great expectations for only two days’ worth of work. But I’ll see what I can do. Let’s hurry and take your measurements.”

“Are you ready?” Veronica asked. She looked no more than eighteen and just as sweet as her mother.

As our measurements were taken, we got involved in the hustle and bustle of the shop. It was clear that, as a royal dressmaker, Eleonóra had her job figured to a T. Everyone worked like a well-oiled machine. We were also privy to all the castle gossip, but when one worker mentioned the queen, Eleonóra immediately shut her off. “We do not speak ill of the queen.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“She’s the one who ensures we put food on the table every night, so I won’t have any of it.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the apprentice said, continuing their work.

“All right, young ladies. I believe we have everything we need. Please return later in the evening. I will finish up most of the sewing so we can have a fitting by today and tomorrow.”

We left shortly after, but when we returned that evening, the shop was dark and empty. Only one flicker of a candle burned deeper within the shop. Two people were arguing about something, one of whom was Eleonóra.

“How many times do I need to repeat myself? I don’t want to get involved. I have a good life here. I need to think of my daughter above all,” Eleonóra said.

“Do you realize the riches you could get? Your daughter would have nothing to worry about.”

I had heard that voice somewhere before.

“The price is too steep. My brother already paid for his deeds. Because of him, I not only lost my brother but also my nephew. He left me all alone to fend for myself just because of greed.”

“It’s not about greed, Eleonóra,” the man lowered his tone.

Again, such a familiar voice, but I couldn’t pinpoint it.

“I’m lucky the queen forgave us, for being related to a traitor.”

“The queen will banish you the moment a speck of suspicion lands on you. Even if it’s not true. She keeps you for the kind heart you have, working for pennies in exchange for lavish gowns.”

“I’m done with this talk. Please leave,” she said .

The man grunted and came out from behind the dark curtain.

In the dim light, I tried my best to connect the man walking toward us with the voice I recognized.

“Good evening, ladies,” he said and passed us without paying much attention.

Not only did I recognize his build, but also his manner, though not his face. I had never seen his face before. Who was that guy?

“You’re here,” a flustered Eleonóra said. “Let’s get you fitted. Most of the hard labor is done.”

First, she fitted Tarra, then Soraya. When she was done with them, Tarra and Soraya said they would wait for me at the door.

Taking advantage of being alone, I asked, “I hope you don’t mind, but who was the man you were speaking to earlier? He seemed upset.”

“Oh, you heard all that? Excuse my rude behavior. His name is Lord Corbin.”

“Whoa, whoa. Lord Corbin, you said? I know a Corbin.” My blood ran cold. Could he be the guy who killed Mel? “Um, can I ask you another question?”

“Sure,” she said, as she began pinning the fabric in different places.

“I know this might sound crazy, but could he be a wizard?”

She stopped moving. “Who are you?”

“Ah, well, I’m a time traveler, and I might have met him throughout my journey. ”

She suddenly relaxed. “That makes sense.”

“Does it make sense because we all might be a little cuckoo or that he is indeed a wizard?”

“No, you speak the truth. He is a wizard. He is an elemental wizard, though.”

I was right. That guy murdered Mel. But why was he here talking to Eleonóra?

“An elemental wizard? Are there other types?” I panicked at the idea.

“Two more.”

“Two more? That’s two too many. They’ll send us all into oblivion with their broomsticks.”

She chuckled. “I don’t think you should be afraid of all of them.”

“How come?”

“Because I’m one of them.” She smiled.

My jaw dropped. She needed to add a few stitches to pull it back together.

“Are you also an elemental wizard? I mean, witch.”

“No, I’m much stronger. I am an ancestral witch.”

I stiffened as the hairs on my nape stood.

“Please don’t be afraid. I certainly mean no harm unless I prick you with the needle.”

I laughed awkwardly. “What’s the difference between an elemental witch and an ancestral witch?”

“Ancestral witches derive their power from ancient bloodlines and are often more powerful than elemental witches.”

“What about the third type?” I asked .

“Those are the forest witches,” she said.

“We’ve met a couple in the woods.”

“They’re not the welcoming lot. I’m still amazed that Kazimir managed to unite them.”

“Is Kazimir your brother?”

“I see you’ve heard plenty.” She bent a piece of fabric and pinned it. “Yes, he is. He and my nephew, Alister, were behind the Time War. Not a good look for us ancestrals. We’ve been lucky the queen saw beyond familial ties and allowed us to continue working for her.”

“And now, Lord Corbin wants you to represent the ancestrals?”

“I’ve spoken too much. Either way, it won’t happen. I refused to join for many years now. At least for the twenty that I worked beside the queen. She has shown great generosity for my loyalty. And that’s what I want to teach my daughter—the beauty of humble living. Power and riches rarely make people happy. My brother certainly wasn’t. As much as I hold great power through my lineage, doubled by the deaths of my brother and nephew, I refuse to use it. Nothing is worth more than a calm day’s work and my daughter’s sweet smile.”

“Where is your daughter now? I assumed she would be with you.”

“She likes to wander. She’s a dreamer, that girl. Always looking far beyond her height. But don’t worry, I taught her a few spells in case she needs to fend off unwanted attention.”

“So you still use magic? ”

“No one took out the need for self-defense. When that happens, the world will be a glorious place.”

“Mother, I heard the girls talking about a man paying you a visit. What did Lord Corbin want from you?” Veronica asked.

“As usual, daughter dear, but you and I know it’s a fool’s errand. So don’t worry. They can knock on my door, but I can just as well send them away.” With one last pin brushing next to my skin, Eleonóra continued. “I believe we are done here. I’m sure by tomorrow’s ball, you’ll own a beautiful red dress.”

“Thank you. I’ve never worn medieval ball gowns before.”

“Well, then I’m honored to be your first seamstress. Let’s hope for many more dresses down the line.” She and her daughter bid goodbye.

I nodded happily and joined the girls.