Bab 13: Thirteen
After getting out of the carriage, Zara took Aaliyah and Zoé into the city, where they walked around a little to observe the town. They were amazed by the sights and sounds of the capital, which was unlike anything they had ever seen before. They saw tall and majestic buildings, that were decorated with banners and statues.
They saw busy and crowded streets, that were filled with people and vehicles. They saw shops and stalls, that sold all kinds of goods and services. They saw parks and fountains, that offered a touch of nature and beauty. They saw magic and technology, that enhanced and enriched the city.
Zara acted as their guide and host, showing them the highlights and landmarks of the city. She pointed out the palace, the parliament, the academy, and the market, explaining their functions and histories. She also introduced them to some of the people and creatures, who lived and worked in the city. She greeted them with respect and courtesy, and they greeted her back with admiration and awe. They recognized her as the princess of Larcin, and they treated her with honor and deference.
Aaliyah and Zoé felt a mix of curiosity and awe, as they followed Zara through the city. They were impressed by the city's splendor and diversity, but they also felt out of place and overwhelmed. They felt like they didn't belong here, and that they were intruding on a different world. They felt like they were in a dream, and that they would soon wake up.
Once the tour was over, Zara stopped off at a clothes shop. It was a large and elegant shop, that sold fashionable and expensive clothes. It had a glass window, that displayed the latest trends and styles. It had a wooden door, that opened to a spacious and luxurious interior. It had a marble floor, that shone with a polished and refined look. It had a crystal chandelier, that sparkled with a dazzling and glamorous light.
Zara looked at Aaliyah and Zoé, and frowned. She noticed their clothes, which were simple and worn. She noticed their appearance, which was plain and modest. She noticed their expression, which was timid and nervous. She said, "You clearly need new clothes, you look far too much like commoners." She pushed Aaliyah and Zoé into the shop, as if they were her dolls.
Aaliyah and Zoé felt a surge of embarrassment and resentment, as they entered the shop. They felt Zara's judgment and disdain, and they hated it. They felt the shop's atmosphere and pressure, and they hated it. They felt the shopkeeper's gaze and smile, and they hated it. They said, "Zara, we don't need new clothes. We're fine with what we have."
Zara shook her head and said, "Don't be silly, you need new clothes. You can't go to the palace looking like that. You'll embarrass me, and yourselves. You need to look like you belong here, like you're part of my household. You need to look like you're worthy of me, and of my offer."
They said, "Alright, we'll try on some clothes. But only if we like them, and if we feel comfortable in them."
Zara nodded and said, "Of course, you'll try on some clothes. And you'll like them, and you'll feel comfortable in them. I'll make sure of that." She smiled and called the shopkeeper, who came over with a bow.
"Hello princess, what do you need?" the shopkeeper asked. He was a middle-aged man, with a bald head and a bushy beard. He wore a suit and a tie, that matched the shop's style and quality. He had a friendly and professional demeanor, that hid his greed and cunning.
Zara pointed at Aaliyah and Zoé, and said, "Well, I'd like you to find some clothes for these two, please. They're my new bodyguard and my new guest, and they need to look the part. They need clothes that are suitable for the palace, and for the city. They need clothes that are stylish and elegant, but also practical and comfortable. They need clothes that are fit for a princess, and for her companions."
The shopkeeper looked at Aaliyah and Zoé, and sighed heavily. He saw their clothes, which were simple and worn. He saw their appearance, which was plain and modest. He saw their expression, which was timid and nervous. He said, "I see, princess. I'll do my best to find some clothes for them, but it won't be easy. They're not exactly the type of customers that I usually cater to. They're not exactly the type of customers that I prefer to cater to."
Zara glared at the shopkeeper, and said, "Don't worry, shopkeeper. I'll pay you well for your services, as long as you do a good job. And you'll do a good job, won't you? Because you know what happens to those who disappoint me, don't you?"
The shopkeeper gulped, and nodded. He knew what happened to those who disappointed Zara, and he didn't want to find out for himself. He said, "Of course, princess. I'll do a good job, I promise. Please, follow me to the fitting rooms. I'll show you some clothes that I think you'll like."
He took Aaliyah and Zoé to the back of the shop, where there were several fitting rooms. He left Zara in the front, where she waited patiently and confidently. He said, "Please, wait here. I'll be back with some clothes for you to try on."
Aaliyah and Zoé waited in the fitting rooms, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. They wondered what kind of clothes the shopkeeper would bring them, and if they would like them or not. They wondered how they would look in them, and if they would feel comfortable in them. They wondered how Zara would react to them, and if she would approve of them or not.
Aaliyah immediately felt at home, after all in her old life she was always dressed in style. She had a knack for fashion, and she knew how to choose and combine clothes. She had a preference for trousers and shirts, which she found more practical and comfortable than dresses and skirts. She had a taste for simplicity and elegance, which she found more appealing and attractive than extravagance and glamour.
Aaliyah went straight for the trousers and shirt, and in just a few seconds Aaliyah had put together a superb outfit, simple but effective. She picked a pair of black trousers, that fit her perfectly and accentuated her curves. She picked a white shirt, that was crisp and clean and contrasted with her skin. She picked a pair of trainers, that were black and white and matched with her outfit. She added a few accessories, such as a belt, a watch, that gave her outfit a touch of personality and flair.
Aaliyah came out of the fitting room, and Zara looked at her a little surprised. She had expected Aaliyah to choose something more feminine and fancy,but what Aaliyah choose was more suitable for a princess's bodyguard. She had not expected Aaliyah to choose something so simple and casual.
" Did Zara blush." thought Aaliyah but she pushed that idea aside.
"Wow, that outfit really suits you," said Zara, as she couldn't take her eyes off Aaliyah. She felt a surge of emotion, as she saw Aaliyah's smile and posture. She felt a sense of connection, as she saw Aaliyah's eyes and expression. She felt a spark of interest, as she saw Aaliyah's style and charm.
"Thank you," replied Aaliyah with a false smile, as she tried to hide her discomfort and annoyance. She didn't like Zara's compliment, or the way she looked at her.
And then it was Zoé's turn to leave the cabin. She emerged from the fitting room, wearing a green dress that really put her to her advantage. The dress was made of silk, and it flowed gracefully around her body. The dress had a low neckline, and it showed off her cleavage. The dress had a high slit, and it revealed her legs. The dress was the color of emerald, and it matched her eyes. Zoé was really very beautiful, with her flat but effective shoes. They were simple and comfortable, but they also added a touch of elegance and charm.
"You really are beautiful big sister," said Aaliyah with great admiration, as she saw Zoé's outfit and appearance.
Even the sales assistant was under Zoé's charm, as he saw her in the dress. He had been reluctant and rude, when he had seen Aaliyah and Zoé's clothes and appearance. He had been dismissive and snobbish, when he had shown them the clothes and the prices. But now, he was impressed and amazed, as he saw Zoé in the dress. He said, "Wow, you look stunning. That dress is perfect for you. You have excellent taste."
Zoé blushed and said, "Thank you, ."
Zara smiled and said, "Don't be modest, Zoé. You're beautiful"
Once the shopping was done, Aaliyah and Zoé kept the outfits that Zara had bought. They followed Zara, who led them out of the shop and back to the carriage. They climbed into the carriage, and the coachman whipped the horses. The carriage started to move, leaving behind the shop and heading towards the palace.
"Good," Zara sighed, as she looked at Aaliyah and Zoé. She was pleased with their new outfits, and with their new looks. She was confident that they would make a good impression, and that they would fit in. She was excited to show them off, and to show them around. She said, "We're going to have to convince my father to let you stay in the castle. "
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