Griem and Aylie ascended up the stairs onto the second floor. Displayed on the middle of the floor was a white table that stretched from wall to wall that was covered with a collection of silk dresses and pieces of fancy looking garments.

The carpets and walls painted butterscotch-yellow, different to the first floor’s raspberry-red appearance.

“Welcome ladies, to the floor of cloth.” said a male teller to the right. “IDs please.”

“Of course.” said Aylie, beckoning towards Griem to hand over her ID as well.

The man examined the front and back of the card before smiling and handing it back to them. There must be checks on all floors then. The security of this place really was like an iron fortress. Going in without information on the inside would have your fingers cut and your throat slit within the second.

If it was up to Griem, her suicide plans would be way less elaborate than walking into the pen house for all things wrong with the world. Perhaps falling off that building wouldn’t have been so bad.

Griem was completely lost in thought. Thinking of what pose to make when falling down. A super pose? The coffin again? How about feet first?

Griem flinched from something suddenly touching her arm. She looked down to see Aylie’s hand sliding under and interlocking fingers along with her being way to close.

“This seems a bit...unnecessary.” said Griem, looking up to see Aylie to see a look of...disappointment? Some kind of disgusted look that Griem almost felt attacked.

Griem glared at Aylie licked her lips, pulling her closer until there were no gaps between them.

“I felt like you would’ve walked into the arms of another procurer of cute things such as myself. Can’t be having that, now can we?”

Griem stepped to the side for some personal space but the stalker stuck to her like glue. She sighed, trying her best to ignore the sea urchin that has latched onto her. The two stepped forward to the table, an older woman in a fur coat stepping beside Aylie to browse the collection.

“My, my! Why isn’t it Madam Peoris?” exclaimed Aylie, “How long has it been?”

The lady looked at her with confusion wrinkling around her eyes. They were about the same height except Aylie’s heels made her slightly taller.

“I don’t quite think we have met before Miss...”

“Countess Teorassin. You may call me, Lady Teorassin.”

“Teorassin? Teo— oh! By heavens, Countess Teorassin? Proprietor of the largest vineyards? How was your trip to the neighboring countries? I heard you were making waves over in the Emerald kingdom.”

“Correct and I guess you can say I got homesick, though enough flattery for me, I’ve heard all about you Madame. Or should I call you by your other title? Queen of Silk.”

“Please, there is no need for formality between our respective classes. Madame is just fine.” she said, tilting her hat.

Aylie responded with a curtsey then beckoned Griem to the same. Griem has never curtsied in her life, making for an awkward knee bend.

“Has anything caught her Madame’s eye? The bold seams fair quite nicely with the black does it not?” said Aylie, picking up a black dress with white lining.

“It’s an elegant piece but elegance should shine, not dwell in the dark fabric. Now this.” said Peoris, picking up the blue dress beside it. “A sleek piece, simple, fabric that could melt in your skin. This is the feeling that really captures the soul. When a gentleman gently brushes against your dress, they will fall in love with you at the instant.”

Peoris' attention lingered on the dress, seeming to have forgotten all about the presence beside her. Aylie walked up closer to her and stared at the piece she seemed so enthralled in.

“If you insist, Madame Peoris. Also, may I have a word with you in private? I believe it will, ah, benefit your wealth quite nicely if I may say so.”

“Hm… you have piqued my interest.” she said, finally putting the dress back in its place. “Very well, I’m available next week. Shall we discuss over a glass of wine in my estate?”

“That would be splendid!” clapped Aylie, “I shall have my attendant make arrangements for the finest of our wine. Now I must be on my way, I have made, ah, prior appointments.”

The smile of Peoris’ face faded. Aylie was playing a game and Peoris had no idea. Quite frightening really.

“Very well, best of luck.” Peoris said, nodding once with a forced smile and proceeded down the lengthy table.

“You hear all that Lady Lemossi?” whispered Aylie, licking her red lips. “Looks like we have just secured our first victim.”

“I didn’t know your name carried such expensive weight. Tell me Lady Teorassin, what am I here for?”

“Must you always question everything? Very well, I shall show you. Your capabilities.”

Aylie winked down at her and walked out of the path to the side. She picked up a glass of wine and knife from a waiter’s tray, holding them up in the air. She clanked the fork loudly onto the glass, the chattering of the room and rustling of feet coming to a stand still.

“May I have your attention ladies and gentlemen. We have an important guest here with us today.”

So much for not attracting attention. What is this showboat doing?

“The heiress to the throne.” said Aylie, tilting her head back at Griem. “Lady Clark of the Lemossi family.”

Griem looked around the room, the eyes that were on Aylie were now on her. Her face grew hot; from skulking in the shadows to being the center of attention on a floor full of nobles were the least of her goals.

Mumbling started to grow in volume around her.

“Is it true? That’s the heiress?”

“Young isn’t she? What is she doing here in Yeverii?”

“She looks just stunning doesn’t she dear!?”

“Oh yes, sure, sure hon.”

“The heiress of the Emerald Kingdom? My heavens!”

Griem ran to the spiral stairs in embarrassment, and proceeded onto the third floor. Just what is Aylie thinking?! The nerve, years of being secluded to shadows only to be outed in the middle of center hall.

“Do you now see? Your value is quite high my dear.” said Aylie, walking up to Griem and cupping her face, “—and I plan to use that value to the fullest.”

Griem swatted her hand away, stomped up the steps, and went onto the next floor.