CHAPTER 229: CHAPTER 229 - A BODY IN MOTION REMAINS IN MOTION UNTIL TOLD TO TURN AND POUT AT THE CAMERA

"We’ll start simple - just to see your natural posture and gait. Nothing too complicated."

Maia even turns her tablet and shows me some sort of checklist on it briefly. I catch a few terms before it flips that make me feel that all those etiquette classes I was put through to obtain a royal deportment was probably worth how much I hated them.

At least for the purposes of this moment. I can go back to hating the experience later!

I stood smoothly, leaving my purse by the chair. None of them would steal from it anyway - and if they did... well, I’m sure they won’t with Anise sitting next to it.

The heeled boots changed my center of gravity, but I’d had time to adjust during the short walk to the car... and out of it. My shoulders settled into their natural position - straight but not rigid.

A posture that had been drilled into me from childhood by bitter old vixens. I’d always thought that they just needed to relax that stick up their-

"Just walk across the room to the window and then return. Pretend we’re not here watching."

Not the advice I was usually given. I am to pretend someone is always watching. But I nodded and began walking, letting natural rhythm take over.

Each step clacked on the floor in deliberate and fluid patterns as their eyes were on my back. But I can see a glimpse of their faces in the glass reflection and Ember was clearly leaning forward with his fist under his chin.

The walk back was even smoother now that I’d gotten the blood flowing. I could hear compliments and positive assessments being shared in whispers as I returned to my starting position.

But I won’t smile excessively. I won’t! No I do not need a mirror, Vrika... go back to ignoring me, please.

"Let’s see how you respond to more direction. Turn to face the window again, but this time I want you to pause when you’re halfway there."

I nodded and began walking. When I estimated I’d reached the halfway point, I stopped and didn’t look back... assuming this was a small trap. Most would probably look back at him questioningly for further instruction.

But he didn’t tell me to do that. What if the goal was to get a shot of the clothes from behind at this distance, for someone walking away down the street? I would have ruined the shot.

"Perfect. Now turn toward us, but keep your shoulders angled toward the window."

Three or for seconds later, he gave this next goalpost. With my feet planted, I rotated my torso and let my shoulders follow the movement to look back at them while trying to make it feel natural enough for my range of motion.

They are probably testing that too. It’s a good thing Helene was fairly limber, as I’ve yet to actually get in the habit of exercising that sort of quality in this body. Thanks for keeping her healthy!

My wolf looks like it wants to be stubborn with the ignoring, so it just turns away and barks once. Oh dear, is my mood affecting it so greatly? What a performance artist the spirit is today.

"Good. Shift your feet towards us and chin up slightly - pretend you’re addressing someone important but you’re not intimidated by them."

Well, that’s certainly familiar territory. Anise did say that I would proceed easily enough through this, but I almost feel like I have an unfair advantage.

Unlike my perfected ’princess haughty’ method, I lifted my chin *just* enough to suggest confidence without all the usual arrogance. He did say not intimidated, not to try and upset the other person.

"Excellent! Now, say the phrase ’Frost & Ember’s Winter Collection’."

I can see some of the others rolling their eyes, clearly showing that this was not a normal part of the process. But I do it anyway and receive some headshaking applause.

"Okay, lets focus. Jessica is going to take over and give you some camera directions. Don’t worry about getting them perfect - we just want to see how you take feedback."

After the assist- the production coordinator tried to get things back on track, their young photographer stepped forward with her camera, ready with her finger already on the button as it rested against her chest on a strap.

"Okay, turn your body toward me but look out the window. Like you’re lost in thought about something that the light is making you think of."

Adjusting my stance, I let my gaze drift toward the glass and try to soften my expression into something contemplative. So... I think of what to eat after this is all over.

"Nice, but can you make it more... wistful? Like you’re remembering something bittersweet?"

Think of something safer than how I left things with a confused CEO... and something unrelated to any other deep memory. Maybe missing the known forests and caves of my homeland?

I hear the whir and slide of the shutter from where she stands. The first test shot.

"Now look at me, but don’t smile. Just... seem interested. Like I’ve said something intriguing."

This felt a little harder without so much direction. But I do my best to let a slight question appear in my eyes while keeping my lips neutral. Born from noticing that Anise is over there paying more attention to this young woman than what I’m doing.

"Great. Now - and this might feel awkward - I want you to look directly into the lens, but imagine what you’re looking at is someone you find attractive. Don’t try hard and look seductive, just... like you are aware of them."

That’s... actually another one easier than it should be.

My mindscape fills with a set of brown eyes that flickered their candle-like glow. I feel the small changes in my body language that I always seem to do when *she* is there... and it does indeed feel awkward to be using this intentionally.

How exactly am I supposed to look like I’m not thinking of the... sexy time we just shared, though?!