Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)
Chapter 35 - Measured By Cup, For Bare Necessities

Chapter 35: Chapter 35 - Measured By Cup, For Bare Necessities

That Lucinda werewolf would surely report to Victoria now. People like her are only pliable when in reach.

But that problem was for later.

The ’boutique’ attached to Crystalline Spa was bright and airy. Recessed lighting that shone down and highlighted the clothing rather than overwhelming it.

Nothing like the royal tailors’ chamber with its tall windows, rows of cloth spools, and silk-draped mannequins custom carved to our general shapes. But it’s probably impressive by this world’s commercial standards.

At least seems a lot higher end than the few shops Helene went in when she was young.

"We specialize in items that work well from the spa to your everyday life. Pieces that show off shoulders and legs are especially popular."

The racks of clothing were organized by color tones rather than style. Soft neutrals on one end gave way to deeper jewel tones.

As far as I can tell without feeling them, the fabrics looked decent enough in make. Though nothing as intricate as the hand-embroidered silks I once wore.

> The crimson skirt over there looks rather nice, actually. <

A woman approached us, different from the other workers I’d met so far. Her ’strawberry blonde’ hair was styled in a crown of braids and she wore a tailored black dress.

Details that spoke of higher authority than the spa’s white-robed attendants. Perhaps that’s my bias setting her apart, or perhaps it’s just that she truly is ’in charge’ of this part of the spa.

"This is Anise, our style consultant. I’ll leave you in her hands. Thank you for visiting Crystalline Spa and we hope to see you again."

Tess introduced her before quietly excusing herself. I chose only to nod and sever that small bond.

"Welcome. I understand you’re in need of a complete outfit today?"

"Yes. Something appropriate for the season."

Unlike my last encounter, this woman’s scent was present. Human - with perhaps a little too much sandalwood perfume to mask the smell of cigarettes.

Pale blue eyes traced the lines of my body through the plain silk spa robe. A gaze I’d felt before from that craft oriented spider shifter in our employ.

Someone who understood draping the architecture of cloth along bodies as a mathematical formula to be solved in specific ways. Her next words proved that true.

"We’ll start with measurements to ensure you have a proper fit. Would you prefer a private fitting room to do it yourself?"

"That’s not necessary. I trust your abilities."

False modesty was a waste of everyone’s time. I had been measured on countless occasions by a half-dozen attendants simultaneously.

Every time a new gala or important tea party required them to see if I’d been overeating.

You simply cannot keep a shred of innocence and shame in an environment like that. The woman tilted her head at my nonchalance in the matter.

Or perhaps my general mood. I’m not getting hungry again, I hope.

"Very well. If you’ll just step over here..."

She moved me behind a set of folding panels and produced a clothier’s measuring tape.

"Bust, 39 inches. Waist, 28 inches. Hips, 39 inches."

She called out while noting each number on a pad of paper. The exact quantity meant very little to me.

I had not had the time to make sufficient comparisons to my world’s practical arithmetics. It was easier to just trust she knew what she was doing.

Which I did, because all of her movements were within my expectation. Checking my shoulders next, from my neck to waist - back and front, and then finally...

"Bra size will be 32G."

Measuring around my rib cage, below my bust, and then double checking the fullest part of it gave her this near gibberish to tell me. Only ’near’ because Helene had somehow learned of ’cup sizes’ and what they mean from an Omega.

The Duskpaw shifters tended to avoid bras, though the original body was one of their exceptions. Which isn’t to say she owned one... but she begged her mother a few times.

> Your magic may have helped her regenerate, but it doesn’t stop the discomfort and strain of excessive weight. <

A quality which I was well accustomed to already. In my old form... well, I’m not actually sure because I don’t know what the underbust would have been?

That seems to be rather crucial to this sizing.

But if I’m judging solely based on the memory of looking down... perhaps two of these ’inches’ and ’cups’ further round.

> What a loss... <

The wolf inside my mindscape looked fed up with my vixen’s scream. I ignored it and poured my heart out, wailing in privacy.

"Inseam 30 inches and finally... shoe size 7.5D."

What a strange metallic contraption she brought underfoot. Capable of noting both length and width, with lots of little notations upon it.

"Might you know what this measuring tool is called?"

Anise looked at me as she stood from her kneeling position, seemingly surprised that someone would ask.

"It’s called a Brannock Device, named for the man who came up with it. I’ve worked here eight years and never has anyone bothered to ask this bit of trivia."

"Ah, because it must be common knowledge."

She chuckled at me and smiled. One of the most sincere ones I’ve seen since the woman in the park.

"No, I highly doubt it. Most people simply are not curious about things. At least... past whether it gets the task done or not."

"Of course. That sadly makes more sense."

She handed me the spa robe to put back on for now, then Anise led me to a section toward the back of the boutique. Racks of delicate fabric in various cuts and colors lined the wall.

"Before we select outerwear, we should get you a little less... bare. You have excellent proportions, but we don’t need that revealed on camera."

She pointed toward the corners of the shop at the security devices. I nodded obligingly.

> I suppose even if I do not care, others might. It could also be used against me in this world. How troublesome. <

The array of undergarments was more extensive than I expected. Flimsy scraps that hardly deserved the name made from materials that ranged from cotton, silk-lace, and even something ’synthetic’.

"We have several styles to choose from. For your measurements, I’d recommend something with proper chest support for daily use."

I ran my fingers across the different fabrics, assessing their quality before selecting a light grey set with minimal embellishment. It looked elegant enough to not feel entirely unremarkable.

"I think I prefer this. Would the material be appropriate for day to day wear in this city?"

Her head tilted again and her face grew amused. I imagine she has realized that I am predominately ignorant.

"It’s certainly a modern choice. The microfiber material breathes well and won’t show lines under most light clothing. Would you like me to bring a set in your size to try on?"

When I nodded, she disappeared to retrieve them from a place in the back of the store. I glanced at some of the others, considering their colors.

Grey was neutral and matched my eyes, but the blue and reds are tempting. As well as the pale, pastel purples that remind me of my old eyes.

I would love to have a few sets of each.

> No, I should only buy what I need and can carry. <

A bark that I can’t really tell what means echoes loud in my head.

How can it agree that I should hold back and also think she wouldn’t mind if I was selfish?

"You should just tell me not to ’go crazy’ and leave it at that, stupid wolf. Don’t *tempt* me..."

My mutters just cause more know-it-all barking that I tune out.