We follow Nadia backstage, and I’m relieved Klaus and Stanley appear to be sleeping. I’m guessing they too have learned of my true identity, and I’d like to avoid answering any questions about it if I can help it. Although, I am pleased to see Mr. Tuttle awake and sitting at his desk. I pause next to him, nodding at Podaxis and Nadia to go to the dressing room without me. “I’ll catch up,” I say to them.
“Pearl!” Mr. Tuttle exclaims, whirling around in his chair at the sound of my voice. “Or should I call you—”
“No, you should not.” I grin down at him and prop an elbow on his shoulder. “You’ll treat me the same as you ever did before. And just to prove to you I’m still the same Pearl…” I reach into my skirt pocket and pull out a silver necklace I stole on the way here. Turns out dressing like a pretty, well-to-do girl makes me just as invisible as when I wear threadbare boys’ clothes.
Mr. Tuttle takes the necklace with a wide smile, and I know at once whom he’s thinking of selling it to. “Ah, this is a nice one.”
I shake my finger at him. “Don’t you dare take less than twenty citrine chips from Madame Lillian for that.”
“Very well,” he says and tries to hand me a few chips in return.
“Keep them,” I say. “That was a gift. You know, because I’m not around this week.” My heart lurches, and I refuse to consider what happensafterthis week. Where will I go once I’m free?
Mr. Tuttle seems to have the same thoughts but for different reasons. His eyes turn down at the corners while his smile remains. “A dusty theater is no place for a princess. Nor is being a collector offound treasures.”
I lift a corner of my lips in a smirk. “I thought being a royal meant I could do whatever I wanted.”
“But is this really what you want to do?”
My expression falls. I can’t answer his question because I haven’t thought that far. I’ve only just begun to entertain what freedom means to me. I force my grin to return. “I should join Nadia and Podaxis.” I give the old man’s shoulder an affectionate squeeze and then make my way to the dressing room.
I open the door and at first can’t see either of my friends over the rows of clothing racks. Then I spot them toward the back, facing away from me. Podaxis clings to the top rail of one of the racks while Nadia holds out a waistcoat and slacks in gray plaid. I’m confused why Nadia has selected what is clearly a man’s outfit for me when she previously insisted I dress like a fine lady. Then it hits me. I see it in the way Podaxis nods, and more so in the bright glow coming from his mushrooms, the pinks, blues, reds, and greens shining with bioluminescence.
Podaxis doesn’t glow when he’s embarrassed.
He glows when he’s in love.
And the suit Nadia is holding isn’t for me buthim.
My eyes sting with sudden tears and I feel like my heart is being cleaved in two. Not out of upset or jealousy, but the strangest, happiest kind of sorrow that I’ve never felt before.
After all my teasing, my best friend, my adopted brother, the person I care about more than anyone else, is truly and deeply in love.
Does Nadia know? He must have asked her to make clothes for him, but does she know why? Does she realize what it means? My friend has never taken seelie form, but if he’s asking for clothes, it means he wants to try. He wants to become seelie…for her.
And oh, for the love of shells if that doesn’t make me want to burst into happy tears like an idiot.
I now have another reason to succeed at my mission. If I fail and die from Nimue’s curse, Podaxis’ heart will break, and I fear he won’t have enough love left after to share with Nadia. And if I give myself up and join my mother’s vile Sisters of the Black Eel, he’ll follow me. I know he will. Which leaves only one option.
Freedom. Success at my mission.
Killing Dorian.
“Are you ready to see your new clothes?” Nadia asks.
I blink a few times, realizing I’m still hovering near the doorway. Podaxis is suddenly nowhere to be seen, but I’m almost positive the curtain to the changing closet is moving. Is my friend trying to shiftright now? The thought is almost too exciting—or maybe terrifying—to bear. I swallow my curiosity and try not to reveal my emotions as I approach Nadia. I’ve never been a hugger, but everything inside me wants to wrap my arms around the girl and squeeze tight while telling her how happy I am for her. Then maybe threaten to pull a Franny Delafonte and blacken her eye should she ever dare break my friend’s heart. Instead, I settle for a crooked smile and crossed arms. “Show me what dreadful outfits I’ll be forced to parade about in now.”
With an excited squeal, she begins laying out articles of clothing. Two new skirts with matching jackets, two blouses with puffed sleeves, a pale blue evening gown, a violet ballgown, and a long plum coat lined with sable fur at the collar, hem, and sleeves. Everything appears to be gently worn, but even to me—someone who would rather wear trousers and a loose blouse all day—they look stunning. “Thank you, Nadia.”
“I’m not done yet.” She shuffles over to one of the clothing racks and retrieves a familiar dress, one long and slinky in shimmering shades of pink, blue, and white, draped with strands of pearls. “This should be your wedding gown.”
I scoff. “I can’t wear that to a wedding. Did you forget this pageant is being thrown by a church?”
She shrugs. “Wear it to your honeymoon then.”
“My honeymoon?”
“I assume you’ll be taking one,” she says with a sly look. “With a fortune like his, he’ll take you somewhere grand. Or at least to a fine hotel on Halley Street. This will have him undressing you in no time.”
