The Duke's Bed Warmer

Chapter 102: A Dress With Scars

Austin sat alone in his study, staring at the same paragraph for the twentieth time. Numbers that usually made sense were blurred today because his mind was on a particular red dress.

He had chosen it himself three days ago. He had even gone to the castle tailor in person, something he never did and described exactly what he wanted.

The tailor had given him a strange look because he had never before cared about a woman’s dress before. Austin had described the cut, the way it should fall, and the neckline. He had planned to give it to her on a special occasion. He hadn’t expected that occasion to come so soon.

It had been hours since he sent the dress. He had expected some kind of response but got nothing.

Maybe she didn’t like it.

Maybe it was too much.

I should have chosen something simpler.

He stared at the report again and read the same sentence but still didn’t understand it. Finally, he stood up.

I should go and ask her myself.

Her door was slightly open when he reached it. He hesitated for a moment, then pushed the door gently and stepped inside. Alina stood in the middle of the room, holding the dress. She looked...hurt.

"What’s wrong?" he asked.

She lifted the dress so he could see. Austin looked at the dress and froze. The dress he had chosen was destroyed. Instead of feeling angry, he felt a quiet sadness but he composed himself as he walked towards her.

"I’m sure it was Audrey," Alina said.

"When did it happen?"

"While I was with Evelyn. Just a few minutes ago."

He nodded, still looking at the dress.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his gaze shifting to her.

The question surprised her. She had expected the tactical questions, not asking about her first.

"I’m angry. But... I’m fine," she replied.

He looked at the torn dress again and something in his chest tightened. Because of what the dress meant. He had chosen it for her, had imagined her wearing it. And someone had ruined that.

"I’ll ask Harrington to bring another dress. The tailor can..."

"There’s no need for it," she cut in. "I’ll mend it."

He frowned.

"Alina, it’s completely destroyed."

"I’m a seamstress, Austin. I can repair a dress," she said confidently.

"This isn’t some simple cut. The dress is torn into two halves."

"And I’ll stitch every inch of it," she replied. "I want to wear it tonight to the party. So that whoever cut this dress can see they failed."

He looked at the determination on her face and smiled.

"You’re incredible," he said with a flicker of pride on his face.

"I know," she replied. "Now go. Let me do my magic."

"How long will you need?"

"Two hours. Maybe three. I’m not sure yet."

"The party starts at eight."

"I’ll be late then," she replied. "But it’ll be worth it."

"I’ll look forward to seeing you in this dress," he smiled and left the room.

He was confident that if anyone could turn this mess into something beautiful, it was her.

Alina locked the door and laid the dress on the bed. She ran her fingers along it and noticed the cut was clean which made her work easier.

She grabbed her personal sewing kit and took out a spool of gold thread. The gold thread pulled the red fabric back together. She didn’t try to hide the cut. Instead, she made it part of the design.

A long seam ran from neckline to hem, like a golden river. Then she added smaller patterns branching out from it that could be seen as veins or branches. The cut that had been meant to destroy the dress became a striking and unique design.

After almost three hours, she finished the last stitch, cut the thread, and held the dress up.

It was transformed. The red silk now carried golden lines running through it like fire. She put it on and stood in front of the mirror. She put the blue pin in her hair to complete her look and smiled, satisfied.

The east garden glowed with lanterns strung between the trees. Tables held food and wine prepared by Audrey’s staff while soft music played around.

The sewing circle women were laughing while waiting for Alina. Austin stood near the garden wall, with a glass in his hand, talking with Lord Ashby.

Audrey moved through the garden like the perfect hostess. She had personally invited Dorian as well.

Then suddenly the garden fell silent. Conversations stopped mid-sentence, glasses paused halfway to lips. Even the music seemed to fade for a second as every eye turned to Alina as she entered the garden.

She walked forward, calm and confident, wearing the red dress like armour.

Austin’s glass froze halfway to his mouth. He forgot Lord Ashby was speaking. In fact, he had forgotten everything except for the woman walking towards him in the red dress with golden scars. She had made it even more beautiful.

Audrey’s smile didn’t disappear but for a second her eyes betrayed her. She had received the message. Her destruction had been turned into art.

Dorian watched Alina with amusement.

She takes every weapon aimed at her and turns it into armour.

As Alina walked past the sewing circle, Marguerite grabbed her arm, her eyes wide in shock.

"Your dress is stunning!" she said.

"This sewing technique is yours. Did you sew it yourself?" Evelyn asked.

"Yes. In three hours."

Evelyn shook her head in disbelief.

"Alina Ashworth, you are amazing."

Alina smiled and continued her walk towards the center of the garden, and stopped near Audrey and Austin.

"Thank you for this beautiful party, Your Highness," she said warmly. "The sewing circle is very grateful. You’ve made our celebration truly special."

Audrey met her eyes and forced the most pleasant smile.

"You look beautiful, Alina. This dress is gorgeous. Is it new?"

"Yes," Alina replied. "A gift. Though I had to make some changes to give it a personal touch."

They kept looking at each other for a few more seconds as if talking through their eyes what they couldn’t say in words.

Then Alina smiled faintly.

"Enjoy the evening, Your Highness," she said and walked towards her group to celebrate her victory.