Honestly, I think Fly may also have undiscovered magical abilities. Because he’s taken this shirt of Thorne’s – one that looked baggy and frumpy on me – and transformed it into something stylish, sophisticated and even a little sexy.
“Of course, the entire look is going to be ruined by that awful coat of yours, but it’s a start. You really need to update your wardrobe.”
“The Princes have offered to buy me new clothes. I just don’t know where to start.”
“If only you had a friend with amazing fashion sense and incredible design skills.”
“And if only that friend would be willing to come with me to the palace.”
Fly gapes at me. “You’re serious? You want me to come with you?”
“Yes, I’m petrified, Fly. You’re right, I’m just some Slate girl. I don’t know how to dress or act and the Princes grew up in that world. They aren’t going to understand.”
“And if I came, you think the Princes would let me go shopping with their money?”
“Yes, although you want to come with me to support me, not to go on a shopping spree.”
“Obviously. I’m very supportive.” He grins and I laugh, throwing my arms around him and hugging him close.
“I’d really appreciate it, Fly. I mean, I know we don’t strictly have permission and–”
“Cupcake, I’d have to be insane to turn down an opportunity to visit Onyx Quarter and the palace!”
Chapter Eleven
Briony
“Nope,” Clare says, shaking her head adamantly. “There’s no way I’m breaking the rules. Do you know how much trouble we could get into?”
“Rules were meant to be broken,” Fly says.
“There’s no way I’m going.”
“Clare Bear, this might be a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Onyx Quarter. You may never get another chance.” She shrugs. “Aren’t you even a little bit curious to see what it’s like?”
“I’ve seen pictures.”
“That isn’t the same!” Fly says in outrage.
“Leave her be.” I nudge him in the ribs. “If she doesn’t want to come with us, I’m not going to force her. Not when it could get her into trouble.”
“But why? Why don’t you want to come? Briony might need our help.”
“Briony has three influential and powerful shadow weavers. She doesn’t need me.”
“Yes, she does,” Fly argues. “You’re the brains of the outfit.”
“Exactly, I haven’t finished searching the library for information that might help Briony when she’s out there in the demon wastelands.”
Fly narrows his eyes. “Is this about the boyfriend because bros before hoes, Clare Bear!”
“It’s not because of him. It’s just … the idea of all those posh snooty people staring at me, judging me …” She physically shudders. “It’s bad enough here at the academy. Besides, I think it would be helpful if one of us stayed here. What if Fox returns? What if the Madame does?”
“Good point!” Dray says, slouched in the armchair, listening into the three of us squabbling in the front room. My bag’s packed, Fly has grabbed a few of his possessions too, and we’re both wrapped up in our coats and ready to go.
“Actually, that is a good point.” If Fox were able to escape and make it back here, we’d have no way of knowing. “But how would you get a message to us?”
“Crow,” Dray says and I frown. Beaufort mentioned crow messages once before but I don’t understand how they work. “It’s the quickest and most secure method for sending messages across the realm.”
