Ultimate Nyssa Glass by H. Burke (best value ebook reader .txt) 📕

to buy me something. Shock me, I know he’ll get me something perfect, and whatever I buy will seem a lump of coal in comparison.

She lingered over a display of shiny tools: wrenches and screwdrivers. They were nice, and Ellis was always building and tinkering. Still, he owned a perfectly serviceable tool set. Replacing something reliable with something new and flashy didn’t seem like Ellis.

“Decorations. I told Ellis I’d see to decorations,” she mumbled to herself. Wandering to that section of the store, she stared at the boxes of crystal ornaments, spools of stringed lights, and packages of tinsel. A clockwork Saint Nick snapped a silver whip over a line of mechanical deer atop the display. Their little tin legs twitched in concert, as if they were swimming through the air rather than attached to a stand.

She picked up the smallest bag of tinsel. It glinted under the store’s lights. Nyssa chewed her bottom lip. It’s just shiny bits of paper. It seems so cheap and cheesy.

Nyssa tucked it under her arm anyway. Staring at the display, trying to imagine where it would all go, and how much it would all cost, the room seemed to spin.

“Maybe the tinsel and a box of taper candles will be enough.” She glanced around until she managed to catch a shop girl’s eye. “Excuse me, do you sell Christmas trees?”

The woman’s pasted on smile wavered ever so slightly. “We did have a few shipped in from the continent, but I’m afraid they’re all sold out.”

“And the other shops?” Nyssa prodded.

“I believe we were the only shop to import them. They aren’t in high demand among the locals.” The girl reached up to a high shelf and brought down a green garland made of a dull material, probably shredded tin. “We have this, though. High quality imitation greenery.”

“No, thank you. I think I’ll just take this.” Nyssa passed the girl the tinsel. “And perhaps a box of taper candles.”

“White or red wax?” the girl asked.

“One box of each, please.” Maybe I can line them up and they’ll look like peppermint stripes. I still need to get something for Ellis … and Mrs. H … and maybe some small gifts to supplement whatever Ellis is making for Theo. That won’t take long, though.

“I’ll wrap these up for you.” The girl hurried behind the wrapping counter.

A murmur passed through the shop like the hiss of a fuse. Every neck snapped towards the door as a finely dressed young woman with elegant brown curls swept into the shop. She was accompanied by a barrel chested butler in a top hat, his arms filled with parcels.

Amara.

Though only Nyssa’s age, Amara Azores was married to the son of the island’s duke, which made her the most fashionable and influential woman in San Azula. Nyssa had met her on the zeppelin from New Taured, and in spite of their differences, she was the closest thing Nyssa had to a friend her own age outside of Ellis.

Amara scanned the shop. An older woman in a swishing skirt and high button shoes, probably the manager, hurried to her side.

“Lady Azores, what an unexpected pleasure! Is there anything we can do for you?”

“No, thank you, I’m just browsing … oh!” Amara’s gaze lit upon Nyssa, and her smile broadened.

Nyssa swallowed a smirk. I’m about to get swept along by Hurricane Amara. God help me.

“Nyssa, darling, it’s so good to see you.” Amara swept through the gawking shoppers and gave Nyssa a quick hug. Nyssa managed not to squirm at the embrace.

“Good to see you as well … especially away from your entourage.” Nyssa eyed the butler who lurked near the entrance, his stare boring into one curious citizen after another. Still, usually Amara was accompanied by more than one lackey.

“Sometimes I like to slip away. Renard insists on at least one guard, of course. He’s adorably protective.” Amara fussed with her hair. “And you? How’s Ellis and that adorable cousin of yours?”

“They’re both well. We’re trying to make this Christmas special for Theo. Ellis is going to make him some toys, and I’m in charge of decorations. I was actually just finishing up here when you came in.”

“Excuse me, Miss,” a voice squeaked.

Nyssa turned and found the shop girl who had taken her tinsel. The girl was clutching two wrapped parcels and staring at Amara.

“Thank you,” Nyssa said as she took the packages.

Amara’s nose wrinkled. “That’s it? I thought you said you were finishing up?”

“I am. I have tinsel and red and white candles. It’ll be quite festive.” Nyssa frowned.

“Nyssa, Nyssa, Nyssa, it’s Christmas! You don’t stop at the bare minimum. You go over the top! How are you going to make the holiday special with only that?” Amara waved towards Nyssa’s bundles.

Nyssa bit her bottom lip. Maybe Amara had a point. “I suppose I could get a few more things. I did want a Christmas tree, but they didn’t have any.”

“Hmm…” Amara tapped a painted nail against her lips. “A tree might be difficult. I had to send away to the continent for one of the proper size, but that will take too long, now. It’s almost Christmas. Here, let me treat you. My expense account is still half full and the month is nearly over.” She beckoned to the shop girl. “Wrap up one of everything from that display.”

“Amara, that’s just too …” Nyssa began to protest, but the shop girl’s eyes glinted and she sprang into action with a “Yes, Ma’am.”

This is probably a commission of a lifetime for the girl, Nyssa realized. Well, let Amara have her fun.

“So.” Amara squeezed Nyssa’s shoulder. “What are you going to get Ellis for Christmas?”

Nyssa winced. It was bad enough being completely at a loss without sharing that with Amara. It’s not like I can’t use the help, though. “I don’t know. Ellis has everything and all the little things people have suggested, watches, embroidered handkerchiefs, don’t seem enough. What are you getting Renard?”

“Oh, I’m having my portrait painted as