The next evening, after the last customer had left and the doors of the Flower Garden were locked, Egon stood in the center of the empty shop floor. The mana-lanterns had been dimmed to a soft amber glow, casting long shadows across the new racks of dresses and the polished display cases. The scent of fresh silk and starbloom essence still lingered in the air.
Vienna and Noella waited for him near the private staircase that led to the upper quarters.
Vienna wore a simple emerald robe that clung to her curves, the fabric thin enough that the outline of her nipples was visible in the low light. Noella had chosen midnight blue silk that draped off one shoulder, revealing the smooth line of her collarbone and the upper swell of her breasts.
Both women looked at him with the same hungry, patient expression.
Vienna spoke first, voice low and smooth.
"Thirty days are over, husband."
Noella stepped closer, her fingers brushing the front of his tunic.
