| Sample
Chapter For DRESSING THE EMPRESS by Ann Cory
“Make sure my petticoats are all tucked
in neatly.”
“Yes, my Lady.”
“And mind the sash in the back. Twice this week
I’ve noticed a crooked bow, almost to the point of drooping. We
cannot have my backside be the laughingstock of the palace, can we?”
“No, my Lady.”
Riona tapped her foot impatiently along the marble flooring,
her dainty shoe making clicking sounds.
Her chambermaid rose and smiled. “There, my Lady,
you are finished.”
In the room of mirrors, Riona eyed her gown critically.
Careful hands and a keen eye had attended to each stitch from her seamstresses.
Yards of powder blue fabric encased her body, with lace around the hems
and bodice. The waist was smooth and the sleeves dangled slightly beyond
her elbow with ribbons for an added feminine touch.
She turned from one direction to the next, looking for
the slightest flaw. “Does the back poof out the way I like?”
Cassie swiftly fixed the dress.
“The gown fits you impeccably, my Lady. You shall
have all eyes on you.”
Riona turned, her green eyes flicked over the maid in
a swift manner. She ignored the obvious smudges around the young woman’s
bleak face and summoned up a smirk. “Of course all eyes will be
on me. Who else would they look at?” She raised her hands to her
fiery red hair and swept it atop her head, checking each angle of her
face in the mirror. “Now let’s see what we can do about my
hair.”
“Yes, my Lady.” With long, even strokes, the
maid slid the brush through her hair.
“Our guest of honor arrives today. From the rumors I’ve heard,
his work far exceeds the level of elegance I’m looking for. I am
the important one around here and am expected to look it.”
“I agree, my Lady. Who is this gentleman you speak
of? A possible suitor?”
Riona rapped her on the hand. “Bite your tongue,
Cassie. Too often you forget your place here.”
“Apologies, my Lady.” The maid bowed her head
and continued styling her hair.
“His name is Gustav Denairre, a Frenchman. If anyone
knows fashion, it would be him. The women he creates and designs dresses
for are the most exotic women in all the land. I must have him.”
“Only the most skilled should design your gowns,
my Lady.”
Riona smoothed an imaginary wrinkle and folded her hands,
letting out a long, deep sigh. “It would be devastating to have
him come all this way, only to find he’s nothing more than a name.
There are many charlatans out there today, and I will not tolerate incompetence.
Let us hope this man is true to his reputation. I wish for him to start
right away by creating seven unique gowns for me; one for each day of
the week. If I like his designs, he will become my personal designer.”
“I am sure it is his life’s dream, my Lady.”
She laid the brush down and smiled. “All done, my Lady. I trust
you are pleased. May I say you are beautiful, as usual?”
The empress looked in the mirror, tilting her head in
all directions to inspect the hairdo. “Well done, Cassie. I love
this style. It accentuates my eyes.”
“Thank you, my Lady. Is there anything else you
require?”
Riona shook her head and shooed away the chambermaid with
her hands.
She continued scrutinizing her reflection, eyes darting
and hunting for a stitch out of place. Ever since she was a small girl,
she’d been infatuated with her mirror image. Not only did the mirror
offer entry into another realm, it also allowed her to believe she was
the most beautiful woman in the world. As she grew up, the image she’d
invented became reality and she wouldn’t allow anyone else to try
and best her appearance. The only thing that mattered to her was how she
looked, and she took great pains to look her best.
Many rooms in the palace were devoted to her clothing,
makeup, jewelry, and other accessories. She refused to wear the same garment
twice. When she hired the village women to make her dresses, she in turn,
gave them ample food and made sure they were well taken care of. Though
some claimed she treated them like slaves, she knew better. It was a matter
of keeping their priorities straight, and sometimes, it took threats and
punishment to help them along. As the empress, she was in charge. Respect
was something she expected.
Riona continued making her rounds around the room, stopping
in front of each mirror, as if seeing her reflection for the first time.
It was a daunting task to maintain her beauty, but it awarded her a mountain
of male admirers…and lovers. Women often fawned over her and complimented
her, but she could see the jealousy in their faces. Fuel for the fire,
she made it a point to rub their noses in it whenever possible, without
a thought to the hurt she caused. Besides, friends served little purpose,
but lovers were essential.
Several hours later, she made her way downstairs. Danzig,
her loyal courtier, waited at the bottom of the stairs, smiling at her,
admiring her beauty. Many a night he’d attended to her every need,
in more ways than one.
“Monsieur Denairre is expected any moment, my Lady.
The coach was seen coming around a corner mere moments ago.”
Her eyes widened and she ruffled his jacket collar. “Wonderful
news. Danzig, I’ve decided to throw a ball in our guest’s
honor two nights from now. Please see to it all arrangements are taken
care of, and only the best food and wine served.”
“As you wish, my Empress.” Danzig bowed and
clapped his hands together, catching the attention of several nearby servants
and maids.
Riona stood at the large windows, admiring the landscape.
Lush plants and flowers were in full bloom, with the scents of honeysuckle
and roses hovering in the air. Impatiently, she waited for Gustav’s
arrival. Her wildest dreams would come true with him at her side, wrapping
her in gowns that would make her the envy of every woman of importance.
The coach pulled up and she watched him climb down from
the carriage with ease. Stunning shades of gold and ivory made up his
attire, giving him the appearance of royalty rather than a creator of
fine clothing. His chiseled features took her off-guard and her legs buckled
at the sight of his deep-set eyes. Rays of the sun added shiny glints
to his sleek black hair with a single unruly strand hanging over his left
brow. He entered the castle hall and stopped before her, his chocolate
brown eyes examining her dress. Heat bore into her flesh wherever his
gaze trailed and her cheeks burned crimson.
“Based on the garment you’re currently wearing,
madam, you made the right decision calling me.”
Riona took his words to be a compliment, and gave her
most gracious smile. She held out her hand and waited for his lips to
brush a kiss of greeting along her unblemished skin. Instead, he gave
her hand a rough shake and looked around the grounds, his chin jutting
out in a stiff manner. With clenched teeth, she silently fumed at the
insult.
“Impressive. Although I’ve seen grander castles
in my many travels around the world. Still, it is an honor to be here
and I thank you for allowing me to visit.”
She waved her hand in the air and shook her head. “Think
nothing of it. So you are the famous Gustav. I’ve heard nothing
but praise about your work. In my correspondence with other ladies, they’ve
raved how you create unique masterpieces. You are certainly the talk of
the ladies of fashion, and courts around the world. I had to experience
your creations firsthand. I consider myself very knowledgeable when it
comes to fashion and strive to be a trendsetter. That being said, I cannot
wait to see what you have in store for me.”
“You are too kind. I am just a poor dressmaker who
happened to catch the eye of some beautiful women. My designs will speak
for themselves. It gives me great pleasure when I take the finest fabrics
and mold them to a woman’s body. I believe the woman makes the dress,
and not the other way around, but we all differ in our opinions. You have
the body of an angel and I’ll have no difficulty designing clothes
for such a divine creature.”
The color deepened along her cheeks and the exposed mounds
of her breasts. She was certain he was well versed in how to charm the
clothes off any woman.
“It must be inspiring to live in France.”
His smug look was like a bee sting in her side. “Yes.
The most beautiful women I’ve ever encountered live there.”
Biting her cheeks, she retaliated. “I hope to persuade
you French women aren’t the only beautiful women.”
“That remains to be seen.” Gustav shrugged.
Riona sucked in her breath at the insult. If he were trying
to bait her, she wouldn’t give in. “I’d like to show
you where you’ll be staying.”
She turned, her eyes narrowing into slits. Arrogant man.
As the empress, she could have him locked in chains for his insolence.
As a vain woman, however, she didn’t want to lose this opportunity
to be the envy of all who knew her. In her mind, however, each click of
her heels rang out a silent curse word for her guest’s rudeness.
“If you’ll follow me upstairs, I’ll
show you to your room, as well as where you’ll be designing and
making the dresses. Normally, I’d have my staff show you around
but I’ve decided to make an exception.”
“I’m sure my chamber will be more than suitable.
However, there are things I require in order to do my job well. Surely
you won’t deny me the proper tools and materials.”
“Of course not. Did you bring any materials with
you?”
“Yes, the finest silks and satins money can buy.
I promise you, any creation upon your body will be the same as stepping
into heaven.”
His words excited her almost as much as his handsome features.
“What else do you require, Mr. Denairre?”
“Numerous sketchpads, mirrors, assorted pens and
pencils, threads, needles, and a variety of other sewing utensils for
starters.”
“I assure you, as my guest, you shall be well provided
for.” She’d give him whatever he wanted all right, but there
would be a price. “There will be a ball thrown in your honor, two
nights from today. I want everyone to know that the famous Gustav is in
my home. I hope you will find our humble abode to your liking. Now, I’d
like seven gowns made, and an extra special gown for the ball. Is that
too much to ask for?”
“Seven?” Gustav paused and rubbed his forehead.
“I hadn’t expected to create so many. I’m only staying
a short while.”
“I’ll need at least seven. Any less than that
and it simply won’t do. One for each day of the week. Of course,
if you aren’t capable…”
“I will make every effort to comply with your wishes.
First, let’s see what kind of room I have to work in,” he
interrupted quickly.
Riona applauded herself for challenging his skill. Like
most men, he didn’t like to be made a fool of in his field of expertise.
She showed him to his guestroom and pulled open the lavish drapery to
let the light filter in. A large four-poster bed sat against one side
of the room surrounded by ornate furniture, sculptures, tapestries, and
a writing desk.
“It’s one of our largest guestrooms and the
most masculine.”
She watched him walk over to the bed and press down on
the mattress. “This is very nice, I shall sleep comfortably.”
“I’m glad you approve. Now if you’ll
come with me, three rooms down is your workspace.”
In a dramatic gesture, she spread her arms wide as she
walked in. The room was bathed in sunlight and came with a picturesque
view of the gardens. In anticipation of his arrival she’d arranged
to have a plush, new Aubusson rug laid down. The wall was repainted in
green and gold to match the rug, and she furnished it with large oak tables.
One whole side of the room had easels for him to design his creations,
a large intricately designed loom, and all the tools he could possibly
need. Needless to say, she was proud of herself.
Gustav walked around, his finger tapping against his chin.
“Hmm.”
Her eyelid twitched at his pompous display. It was clear
he would find fault with anything she did.
“All wrong. It’s not me. I can’t work
in a room like this.”
“What?” Riona stormed over and stood in front
of him, hands across her chest. “This room has everything! There
is a stunning view of the gardens, the French doors open right up to the
terrace where you’ll find chairs and a pool, and the colors I’ve
chosen spark creativity and inspiration. What else do you need?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m not sure exactly.
I’d pictured something else entirely.”
Not wanting him to change his mind and leave, she tried a different tactic.
“Tell Danzig what you need. He’ll see to it.”
“Does Danzig have the authority to give me what
I need?”
Riona was taken aback by his gall. Disrespectful man.
“I beg your pardon? I’m not a maid; my people are here to
please me.” She didn’t add as are you.
“I’m sorry if I’ve offended you, but
I don’t believe in catering to people’s feelings. We as humans
need to learn strength and self-esteem. Perhaps you prefer to hide behind
the truth of things?”
Before she could say another word, he quickly crossed
the room, shaking his head at her choice of interior design. “Furthermore,
if you’d like me to create fabulous gowns so you can be the talk
of England, I’m going to need a different look to my workroom. Inspiration
is key. I do not make dresses for just anyone, and I cannot work in just
any room. Surely you can empathize. I’d like the carpet changed
to colorful rugs, I like to hear my shoes tap against polished wood flooring.
The portraits are in dire need of changing to something, in fact, anything
other than gloomy people’s faces. And I’ll require curtains
for the times when I don’t wish to see the sun or gardens. Light
at the wrong time could impair my judgment of the right color combinations.”
Riona bit her lip and did her best mock of a smile possible.
He was an insufferable brute of a man, but she’d have to keep her
comments to herself. Would he really be worth keeping around if he angered
her in such a way?
“I’ll see to the changes immediately. About
the fabrics, shall I have my servants bring them up to you?”
He made a snorting sound and rocked back and forth on
his heels laughing. “No need. I’m more than capable of bringing
up my own things. You see, in France I was blessed with arms and legs
of my own, and I don’t require using someone else’s.”
“It’s what the servants are here for. Without
me, there would be many more homeless, poor villagers than there are now.
I provide jobs for those who need them. Danzig will be up shortly to assist
you. If you don’t require anything else of me, I’ll leave
you to your work.”
“Pardon me, but I hadn’t planned on working
today, thank you. It has been a long ride and I must rest. Do the rumors
of your being a slave driver actually hold some merit? I certainly hope
not. I shall walk along the gardens and rest until dinner. I trust that
meets with the empress’ approval?”
Out of frustration, she turned and stomped out, making
sure to walk extra loud along the hallway until she reached her room.
Cassie was changing the flowers in a vase when Riona flopped
down on the bed, flailing her arms against the pillows.
“What is wrong, my Lady?”
“That horrible brute Gustav!”
“He has only just arrived, my Lady. Has he done
something to displease you so soon?”
“From the moment he opened his mouth, he has done
nothing but cause me displeasure. He’s a haughty, egotistical, pretentious
oaf, and I don’t like him at all. If it weren’t for his highly
regarded talent, I’d demand he leave at once.”
She pounded at the bed with her fists, wanting nothing
more than to scream at the top of her lungs.
“All I know is, he’d better be as good as
the reputation that precedes him. If I notice a single flaw on any garment
he makes, he’s gone for good. Considering I’m paying him handsomely
and giving him my best rooms, he should mind his manners. The least he
could do is show some common courtesy. What does he take me for, a vagabond?”
Cassie stood, silent, letting her mistress vent.
She sighed sharply, not really sure how to explain. The
man was impudent and made her blood boil. “He mocks my land, how
I run things, and most of all—me. Clearly he disapproves of my taste
in décor and I think he finds me unattractive.”
“How is such a thing possible? Men fall at your
feet, my Lady.”
“Yes, yes. I know these things, though I don’t
mind hearing them. One minute he says something nice and the next he’s
finding fault with me. I’m confused. He doesn’t act like any
man I’ve ever encountered.”
“Maybe he’s just tired, my Lady. I can’t
understand why anyone would treat you in such a callous manner.”
“You may be right, perhaps I’m judging him
too harshly for a first time appearance. I’m sure his travels have
tired him. He did say he would lie down and take a nap. I had hoped we’d
start off on a better footing, but there’s still time to make amends.
Cassie, tell Danzig that Monsieur Gustav requires changes to his workroom.
I wish them to be done immediately.”
“He is displeased?”
“Apparently, it’s not good enough. Now leave
me. The horrid man has left me exhausted.” She pulled herself up
off the bed and straightened her gown.
Riona went into her room of mirrors to find solace. She
had hoped to wear one of his creations in the morning, but would suffer
with one of the many gowns she’d had delivered from Spain. The colors
were bolder than she liked against her pale skin, but one dress had an
intricate embroidered design and complimented her red hair perfectly.
She practiced her facial expressions, going from anger to excitement,
seeing what produced wrinkles and what brought out her youthfulness.
“I had heard rumors you had a room of mirrors, but
I didn’t believe it. Until now.” Gustav sauntered in, shaking
his head from side to side.
Riona jumped. She’d hoped for some moments of peace
before dealing with him again. Nausea replaced her anger.
“I’m not ashamed of my looks. Where you come
from, many ladies boast about how lovely they are, but I know how truly
lovely I am. My mother saw to it that I had a strong sense of self-confidence,
and I don’t try and hide it.”
“Seems to me you’re hiding something, rather
than exposing yourself.”
Her mouth dropped open and she glared. “I thought
you were going to take a nap.”
“As a matter of fact, I still plan to, but I’d
like to take your measurements. There are times when my creations come
from my dreams.”
She nodded her head and looked away.
“Very well. I’ll return to measure you in
a moment.”
There was a change when he left, in both her and the room.
If she wasn’t fuming mad at him, she was flustered. In all her life,
no man had ever dared to challenge her, but Gustav was different. Either
it was how he was brought up, or his fame had turned him into a monster.
Why women fawned over him she couldn’t understand. He was easy on
the eyes when he kept his mouth shut. As she watched him leave, her eyes
followed the outline of his body, trying to imagine him without clothing.
The thought was more than arousing, evidenced by the silky film between
her thighs.
Her curiosity with what he could create was almost too
much, and now she was expected to wait. One thing was certain. He would
have to change his ways and adopt an improved method of conduct if she
would allow him to stay on. Captive or by will, she would be the last
woman he’d create clothes for.
When he returned, she made it a point to be cooperative
and set a better example.
“I’ll need you to undress to your undergarments
for proper fitting.”
She opened her mouth to protest, but thought better of
it. “Fine. Would you help me with the buttons in the back?”
“I’m more than happy to help.”
Turning, she fought back the frustration of their earlier
conversation and closed her eyes.
“Your red hair is eye-catching. I should like to
see you wear it down someday.”
Shivers traveled along her back as he undid each button.
Fingertips wisped along her flesh, like butterfly wings. She struggled
against the tickles they produced. The loosened material slid down and
she stepped out of her dress and petticoats. In her corset and pantaloons,
she stood still and waited.
“You take very good care of yourself,” he
commented while wrapping a numbered ribbon around her waist tightly. Instinctively,
she sucked in her breath, making herself as thin as possible.
“I believe the body is a temple and should be treated
as one.” Her words came in breathless gasps as his hands brushed
against her flesh.
“Yours is very much worth daily prayer, I’d
say.”
Her skin blazed with heat. She bit her lip as he knelt
down, wrapping the measuring ribbon around each leg. His pinky finger
slipped up along her thigh, sending shivers to the deepest recesses of
her body. Gustav stood and measured her petite waist, his eyes intent
on her. Riona felt a faint hardness pressing against her upper thigh.
She dared not look down for fear of overreacting.
“I need you to lift your arms up.”
She raised her arms and pressed her palms together, looking
anywhere but at him. His arms wrapped around her body for a moment, and
his fingers lightly brushed against her hardening nipples as he brought
the ends of the ribbon together. She almost swooned as she caught the
fragrance of musk and licorice. He took his time gathering the ribbon
around her chest, tightening it and then giving it some slack.
“Do you always wear a corset?”
“Of course. No self-respecting woman would dare
go without one,” she cried, outraged by his ignorance. For someone
so attuned to a woman’s need for clothing, he asked stupid questions.
“Actually, you’ll find in France, many of
the women have broken away from such rigorous wear and have accepted a
more freeing state of dress. You would know that if you were up-to-date
on your haute couture.”
She blinked several times, stung by his insult. She struggled
to find a way to cover her ignorance.”
“French women are beautiful, of course, but I wish
to be a fashion unto myself. I do not wish to look like everyone else.
I think a corset is sexy and I like the way my clothes fit when I wear
one. I shall continue to wear mine, thank you.”
“As you wish. I am told that the freedom of movement
is worth the extra inch around the waist. I’m done for now and off
to take that nap. I shall see you at dinner. Enjoy your mirrored companions.”
If she didn’t think his backside was so fine, she’d
run over and give it a swift sturdy kick. France this and France that.
It was insulting and getting on her nerves. He spoke as if people who
lived elsewhere were nothing but animals or degenerates. She’d show
him that around these parts, there was only one woman with beauty that
shone brighter than the sun ever could. Men crawled at her feet, kissing
the very ground she walked on, and Gustav Denairre wasn’t going
to tear her down.
Cassie passed by and stared from the doorway, a look of
surprise across her face.
“Yes, what is it?” Riona hadn’t meant
for her words to sound harsh, but her anger was getting the better of
her.
Color coated the maid’s face and she looked down
at the floor. “I’m sorry for disturbing you, my Lady. Are
you in need of help to redress you?”
“What are you talking about? I…” She
looked down and suddenly remembered she stood half naked for everyone
to see.
“Gustav was measuring me for the gowns. Come in
here for a moment. And close the door.” The chambermaid scurried
in, her features distraught and alarmed.
“Have I done something to displease you, my Lady?”
“Tsk, tsk, of course not. You’re the only
one I trust with this task. Tomorrow afternoon, I’d like you to
take Mr. Denairre some fruit and cheese, and check on his progress on
my gowns. I’ll want a full report on the dress he’s making.
I want to know the color, style and texture.”
“Yes, my Lady.”
“Ask him questions and sound interested. Men like
to talk about work they’re proud of. I want to know what you think
of the garments, how they’re coming along, and if you think they
will do me justice.”
“Yes, my Lady, tomorrow afternoon, I will do so.”
“Wonderful. You should get back to helping with
dinner. Make sure only our best plates and wines are on the table. We
wouldn’t want Gustav to complain about our wine, seeing as how France
boasts the finest anywhere.”
“As you wish.” She curtsied and fled from
the room, looking over her shoulder only once. Riona bent over to pick
up her dress when Danzig gave a long, low whistle from the doorway.
“My Lady, I believe I came at a good time.”
She smirked and quickly straightened herself. His ways
of bestowing pleasure on her had become a welcome pastime. Strangers and
lowly servants weren’t worth her time, and the suitors who came
regularly always wanted something more in return, which she had no interest
in giving. Danzig simply enjoyed satisfying her, not to mention, he was
well equipped with a talented tongue. Next to Cassie, he was the only
one she trusted.
He ran a hand along his dark hair and removed a pair of
wiry glasses. Behind her, he nestled close to her body. Slipping a hand
across her breast, he worked his fingers underneath the corset and teased
the nipple into a hardened bud. Riona rested her head back against his
chest and felt the temperature in the room change. His tongue ran along
the sensitive side of her neck, exciting her in a fervid rage.
“You smell heavenly,” he whispered appreciatively.
“Feel free to sniff wherever you like, darling.”
Danzig moved to face her and knelt, his fingers running
along the waistband of her pantaloons.
“Let me see what trouble I can get myself into.”
A rush of warmth rested between her thighs as he caressed
her hips, pulling the fabric down.
Her eyelids fluttered and started to close when movement
caught her attention. Body tensed, she gasped. Had Gustav been standing
in the doorway watching? The thought excited and terrified her at the
same time. Quickly, she ignored her saturated sex and changed her demeanor,
pulling Danzig up.
“Does my Lady wish to be pleasured in the privacy
of her bedchambers instead?” He rubbed at his trousers, unable to
hide his stiff erection.
“My apologies, but I’m going to have to pass
on your enticing invitation for the moment. Perhaps we can explore my
needs later tonight. Dinner shall be soon and I don’t want a rushed
orgasm.”
“Very well, later it shall be. I look forward to
it.” As he left, his stoic expression spoke volumes.
Her dissatisfied sigh echoed around the room as the desire
for sex diminished. Had her eyes been playing tricks? If it had been Gustav
standing there, how much had he seen? Danzig wasn’t one for closing
doors, but she was going to have to be much more discreet with her guest
around. Still, she wasn’t sure why it bothered her. A small voice
inside her head reminded her that she wouldn’t mind the lips of
Gustav brushing against her silken slit. Staring into the mirrors, she
wondered how he saw her. Did he desire her? When he made his gowns, did
he let his mind wander, imagining how the garment would fit against her
curves? Had he felt anything when he was measuring her? A smile crept
across her face.
Clatter from the hallway brought her out of her reverie.
Dinner would be soon and she was still standing half-naked. Riona decided
to wear a different dress for dinner, and chose one of the colorful gowns
from Spain. She wanted Gustav to see how everyone admired her, and perhaps
pique his interest at the same time.
The bold green and copper dress fit her figure in all
the right places, if not a little snug in the waist, and cradled her breasts
in a pleasing way. She wore her hair down and brushed it until the silken
strands hung straight and elegant around her shoulders. She would teach
the insufferable man not to doubt her charms. In fact, it might be amusing
to see if, by the time he had her gowns finished, if she could have him
panting after her like a dog. Maybe then she would push the boorish man
away, and teach him a lesson in humility. But then again, new lovers were
always interesting.
* * * *
When she entered the dining room, all the men stood and
applauded. She noticed Gustav was the last to stand and the first to sit
back down again. Unwilling to let him ruin her appetite, she accentuated
her steps with some sultry hip movements followed by leaning forward,
exposing the fullness of her ample breasts. Compliments were thrust upon
her as she took her place at the head of the table; as always, she soaked
them all in. With a nod, she graciously acknowledged her courtiers, acquaintances,
and lastly, her guest.
Danzig made his own entrance by bringing out a cart of
wine. He selected three bottles and displayed them for her approval. Placing
a napkin on her lap, she waited as he opened them.
“If I may, Empress, you look even more ravishing
than ever.”
She smiled slightly and held out her glass. Riona was
slowly becoming aware of how tight her corset was. It was becoming hard
to breathe.
“Excuse me.” Gustav clinked a fork against
his glass and cleared his throat. “Will the whole evening be about
staring at the empress, or will we be allowed to feast our eyes on the
food as well?”
His comment hung in the air until the first trays were
brought out. Fruits and croissants were quickly eaten before more silver
trays were set atop the table. Once the lids were removed, a delicious
aroma settled in around the room.
Roast beef smothered in port sauce, assorted vegetables,
fresh baked breads, and mounds of potatoes were set along the table to
the appreciation of many. Fifteen pairs of eyes hungrily admired the food
while Riona glared at one person in particular. She downed her wine in
quick gulps and held her glass out, knowing full well Danzig would rush
over to fill it.
He bent over and whispered in her ear, “My Lady,
I suggest some restraint. You haven’t eaten since early morn.”
How dare he tell her what to do? As punishment, his request
to pleasure her later would be denied.
Grimly, she turned to him and frowned. “Nonsense,
I can hold my own.”
In a matter of seconds, her glass was empty again. Uncomfortably,
she shifted in her chair, trying to sit in a manner where her stomach
didn’t feel like it was stuck in her throat. She hadn’t gained
weight, but the dress fit much tighter than she was used to.
By the third glass of wine, she hadn’t touched a
bite of her food, afraid the seams would burst in her dress. Instead,
she found entertainment and arousal in watching the way Gustav ate. With
his knife and fork, he did a seductive dance, bringing the food to his
mouth and chewing startlingly slow, as if savoring every precious bite.
When he swallowed, his dimples deepened and his tongue traced his bottom
lip, gathering any remaining juice. In a trance, she stared, wishing to
taste him. She wondered how closely related his eating habits and his
skills in the bedroom intertwined.
Halfway through her fourth glass of wine, Riona saw two
Mr. Denairres and would gladly welcome them both into her bedchamber.
Fantasies drifted in and out of her mind as she sank back into the chair.
Holding her head up was becoming increasingly difficult and she broke
out into laughter. Faces turned her way, but she didn’t care. Lowering
herself further in her chair, she watched the room spin in a windmill
of colors, until everything turned black.
Reviews For
DRESSING THE EMPRESS by Ann Cory
"This is a brilliant retelling of the old fable The
Emperors New Clothes. The author paints a rich picture of vanity and self
indulgence slowly peeled away with each subsequent ‘gown’
her dressmaker creates. As in the famous tale, this captures the same
moral and does it in a lush setting with a unique twist at the end. I
thoroughly enjoyed this new slant on an old classic, adding a rather attractive
and sensual element as the story passes. I highly recommend readers add
this to their must read list."
Charissa 4 cups
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books
4 Angels from Fallen Angel Reviews!
Ann Cory did a nice job at bringing the Emperor’s New Clothes into
the adult world of erotic fantasy in the form of Dressing The Empress.
Reviewer Shayley
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