Today, V.I. Davis is gracing the blog to treat us with a little vignette into the world of Josephine’s Tear, her debut novel that was released just yesterday! We’ll shush now and let you dive right in.

Two days before the Selection, Sophie Devereaux entered the small and cluttered shop of the local seamstress, Madam Dupree.

MD: Sophie! Long time no see! I figured you wanted some time off after what happened last year. I thought you’d still come back to work for me, but you never did…

S: I know, I’m sorry. I’ve been busy with something else…

MD: Or someone else? I’ve been seeing you around with Waylon.

S: It’s not like that; he’s just a friend.

MD: Well, if you ever want him to be more…As a guard on the border, he makes good money. You wouldn’t need to pick up odd jobs here and there unless you wanted to. He would provide for you.

S: He’s just a friend and nothing more. Madam Dupree, I was wondering if you have any pre-made dresses in my size? I can’t afford a custom fit, but…here…this is all the coin I have. Is it enough to buy me something?

MD: It isn’t much, but I’ll give you a discount for all the times you’ve helped me in the past. You know, I still need part-time help if you’re looking to make extra money.

S: Thank you for the offer, but I’m not looking for work right now.

MD: Okay, well, if you ever change your mind, I’d love to have you back. So, tell me about the dress. I don’t have many pre-made options. Is there a particular style you’re looking for?

S: Yes, something revealing.

MD (surprised): Revealing?

S: Yes, with a skirt that’s a bit flowy. I need to be able to conceal the- (stops herself)

MD: What?

S: Nothing. Do you have anything like what I’ve described?

MD: …yes. I have this emerald-green gown that might fit you, but it cuts very low across the chest-

S: Perfect! I’ll take it!

MD: Okay…Sophie, if you don’t mind me asking…what is it for?

S (hesitating): I’m going as a Candidate again this year.

MD (shocked): What? But you went last year! Is Madam St. Clair sending you again?

S: Not quite…I volunteered.

MD (even more shocked): Why would you do such a thing?

S: I have my reasons.

MD: …

S: …

MD: Okay, well, here’s the dress. I’d say I hope you don’t get Selected, but it sounds like that’s exactly what you want.

S: This time, I do. Thanks for the dress!

Sophie exited the shop, leaving the shocked and perplexed seamstress behind.

V.I. is a chocolate-loving coffee enthusiast who enjoys a quiet life in a small town with her husband and two kids. She writes stories with fantasy, romance, and all your favorite tropes. Her journey as an author has only just begun, but she has a feeling it will be a great one. 

She can be found on her website, where you can sign up for her newsletter, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub!