Chapter 15: See through

"You see, I've been put in charge of the attire for the upcoming event," she explained, her eyes never leaving Zafron's face. She moved across the room with fluid grace, her fingers trailing along the back of a chaise lounge. "The tailor has delivered all the women's outfits to my wardrobe. It's quite a task to sort through them all."

'Is that why I'm here? To help sort clothes?' Zafron wondered.

She paused, gauging Zafron's reaction. A small smile played on her lips as she continued, "But that's not why you're here, dear. My maids will handle the sorting and delivery. Your task is simpler. I need you to find Matilda's outfit and take it back with you."

Zafron nodded, relief washing over him. "Of course, Madam Cordelia. I'd be happy to do that."

"Excellent," Cordelia smiled, a gleam in her eye that Zafron couldn't quite interpret. She gestured towards an enormous wardrobe that dominated one wall of the room. "The wardrobe is just there. Each outfit has a name tag. Do be careful, these are very expensive pieces."

As Zafron approached the wardrobe, the heavy scent of cedar and lavender enveloped him. He opened the doors, revealing an array of colors and fabrics that made his head spin

He began his search, carefully moving hangers aside. 'These fabrics feel like water between my fingers. I can't imagine how much they cost.'

As he searched, he came across familiar names. 'Lady Emmeline? I've heard Mistress Matilda mention her. And this one belongs to Duchess Ravenswood! I've seen her picture in the society pages.'

His fingers brushed against a particularly soft fabric. 'This feels divine. I wonder what it's made of?'

"Having any luck, Zafron?" Cordelia's voice floated over to him.

"Not yet, Madam," he replied. "There are so many to go through."

Cordelia chuckled. "Take your time. We wouldn't want you to miss it."

As Zafron continued his search, he couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. 'This is a world so far removed from my own. All these noble names, these fine clothes... it's like I've stepped into another realm.'

Finally, his eyes landed on a tag bearing Matilda's name. 'Ah, here it is!' He carefully removed the garment from the wardrobe.

"I've found it, Madam Cordelia," he announced, emerging from the wardrobe.

Cordelia approached Zafron with a graceful, almost feline elegance, her movements fluid and mesmerizing. She had changed when Zafron was looking for Matilda's dress.

She wore an exquisite gown of deep sapphire blue silk that seemed to shimmer like starlight with every step. The bodice, adorned with silver embroidery, caught the soft light of the room, creating a glow around her. As she turned to face him, her warm smile sent a jolt of electricity through Zafron's body, her eyes alive with a mixture of anticipation and mischief.

"Zafron," she began, her voice as smooth as honey, yet with an underlying current of excitement that made his heart quicken. "Could you please assist me with the zipper?" She turned her back to him, the request hanging in the air like a tantalizing invitation.

Zafron's mind raced. 'Me? She wants me to help with her dress? Surely there are maids for this sort of thing.' His palms began to sweat as he realized the intimacy of the task before him. Despite his reservations, he couldn't deny the thrill that ran through him at the prospect of being so close to her.

Zafron's breath caught in his throat as he stepped closer, his hands trembling slightly as they found the delicate zipper along the seam of her gown. The closeness between them was intoxicating, and he could feel the warmth radiating from her skin.

With careful precision, he pulled the zipper up smoothly, hyper-aware of every inch it traveled. The fabric seemed to mold itself perfectly to Cordelia's form, and Zafron found himself overwhelmed by the subtle, intoxicating fragrance of her perfume.

Then Cordelia turned to the mirror, inspecting herself. Seconds later, a look of pure satisfaction bloomed across her face. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she admired her reflection, a pleased smile playing on her lips. The sight of her joy stirred something deep within Zafron, a mix of admiration and an emotion he couldn't quite name.

With a graceful pivot, Cordelia walked towards Zafron, her hips swaying hypnotically. Her hands came to rest comfortably on her waist, drawing attention to her curves. "Well, what do you think?" Her tone was inviting, almost sultry, and Zafron felt a rush of heat rise to his cheeks.

Zafron's mind whirled. 'What do I think? Does my opinion even matter? I'm just a slave boy, not some noble or fashion expert.' He felt a mixture of confusion and unexpected pride that she would value his thoughts. Despite his inner turmoil, he couldn't tear his eyes away from her radiant beauty.

For a moment, Zafron was utterly captivated, drinking in every detail of her appearance.He swallowed hard, trying to find his voice. "You look absolutely stunning, Madam Cordelia," he finally managed, his words saturated with genuine awe.

Cordelia's smile widened, transforming her already beautiful face into something truly radiant. Her eyes locked with his, sparkling with a mixture of satisfaction and something deeper, more intense. "Thank you, Zafron," she said, her voice warm and rich with genuine appreciation. The way she said his name sent a shiver down his spine, leaving him breathless and yearning for more of her attention.

Then, as if sensing his feelings, Cordelia turned gracefully, her back now facing him. She glanced over her shoulder, her gaze was mischievous. "Would you mind helping me with the zipper?" Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of vulnerability that stirred something within Zafron.

Heart racing, Zafron stepped forward, his fingers trembling slightly as he reached for the delicate zipper of her gown. The fabric felt smooth under his touch, and he couldn't ignore the closeness between them. With focused care, he pulled the zipper down, revealing the graceful line of her back.

As he finished, he took a step back, his gaze lingering on her for a moment.

Cordelia's smile softened as she let the gown slip down her shoulders, revealing the smooth curve of her back. Zafron stood frozen for a moment, his mouth slightly agape in awe at the sight before him. The gown pooled around her feet, leaving her standing in just in her under wear. She was wearing a red pant and a red bra that seemed to be undersized as the cups barely held her large breasts.

She turned to face him, her expression serene yet with a glint of mischief in her eyes."Since you liked me in the dress so much. What do you think now?," she murmured, her voice low, sending a chill through his body.