They began with fabrics, Penelope guiding her with graceful precision from one merchant to the next. Rolls of velvet and silk spilled across counters, shimmering beneath the sun.
"This one," Penelope said, holding a deep crimson fabric against Nerine's skin. "Too bold, perhaps? No,....Kael would notice you instantly in this."
Nerine flushed. "That's not what I—"
Penelope only smiled, switching the cloth for a pale silver silk. "And this? Softer, but still striking."
Nerine touched it hesitantly. "It's beautiful."
From there, they moved to jewelers. Gold and silver gleamed in the light, diamonds winking like captive stars. The shopkeeper bowed low as Penelope entered, and Nerine felt eyes following them wherever they went.
"You are to be a bride," Penelope reminded her, fastening a necklace briefly around Nerine's throat to judge its glow against her skin. "You must shine like one."
