Till Midnight by Aya Ling

Author:Aya Ling [Ling, Aya]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-12-26T22:00:00+00:00

Anne-Marie’s shop was rather quiet when Alix showed up. There seemed to be fewer staff in the workroom—only Jeanette was there, deep in concentration. Alix approached her former colleague and cleared her throat.

“Alix?” Jeanette looked up from a sleeve she was embroidering. “It’s been months since we’ve seen you. How’s life in the castle? Did you sew for the queen?”

“No, but I mended boots for the princes. Fabio is the one who did the sewing. You know how marvelous his skills are. Where’s Janine?”

“She left. You see, Anne-Marie plans to…”

Anne-Marie happened to enter the shop at the moment.

“Alix!” She looked surprised. “Lovely to see you. Did Emmanuelle give you a holiday? Why didn’t Fabio come with you?”

“Oh, he wasn’t available today,” Alix said lightly. “Can I see you in the office, madame?”

“Certainly, Alix.”

In the office, Alix folded her hands in her lap and tried her best to look sincere. “Business has been thriving lately, madame?”

“It’s been good, but it could’ve been better.” Anne-Marie laid her elbows on the table. “What is it you have come to talk to me about?”

“It’s…” Alix could lie, but no lie was going to hide the fact that she no longer had a job. “Madame, may I come back and work for you?”

Anne-Marie frowned. “Why? Did the Imperial Wardrobe treat you badly? I can write Emmanuelle if you feel you’ve been wronged.”

“No, they’ve been very kind.” Alix looked down on the table. “But I miss home. Auntie has been ill, and I’d rather stay here and nurse her.”

“Well, I’m very sorry to hear that, but currently I have no need for a new apprentice. I’m planning to relocate to Masaro, in fact. My husband has discovered a business opportunity in mining, and we’ll be moving once he receives the official permit. Jeanette and a few others are coming with me, but the rest I must leave behind. I can’t afford to bring any but the very best.”

Her heart sank to the bottom of her shoes. That was why the shop wasn’t as busy as usual. She couldn’t leave Jacqueline and go to Masaro. And even if she were willing, Anne-Marie made it plain that she was only taking skilled dressmakers with her.

“Has something happened at the castle? It’s not like you to give up a decent job.”

“I just want to look after my aunt.”

Anne-Marie shook her head. “You’ll have to go back to the Imperial Wardrobe. By the way, how is Fabio doing? Was the queen pleased with his work?”

Alix answered in the affirmative, trying not to show her disappointment. She had counted on Anne-Marie’s support. She hadn’t expected her former mistress would be leaving the kingdom.

A moment later, Alix left the office and headed out. She waved to Jeanette, who smiled and waved back, oblivious to her predicament.

Halfway down the street, she almost ran into someone carrying a load of brown paper packages.

“Alix! Fancy seeing you here. Why aren’t you at the castle?”

Gaspard, carrying a heavy load of silk, was staring at her.

“Gaspard.” Alix clutched his arm.

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