Monty speaks next. “You should simply trust us when we tell you your friendship with her is better left discarded.”
“Yes, butwhy?” Angela glances from Monty to Thorne. Neither says a word.
A furrow knits my brow. Have they not said a word to Angela about Cosette’s true motives? I recall Thorne telling me that Angela is too kind to see through her friend’s ruse—that Cosette is only friends with Angela to remain close to Monty—but wouldn’t she understand the situation if someone simplytoldher? Well, if they won’t do it…
Her lips pull into a tight line, and I can tell she’s frustrated.
I offer her my arm. “Shall we take a turn about the room?”
Her expression softens and she links her elbow with mine. “Oh, yes, let us admire the art. Thorne’s collection is stunning. Not half as stunning as your ballgown, of course. You look incredible, Highness.”
My cheeks flush. I’d nearly forgotten about my elegant state of dress. “Thank you.”
She leads the way, guiding me over to a wall of landscape paintings. Minka follows, then circles our ankles when we stop to admire the art. Angela emits a joyful gasp and crouches before the cat. “You brought your lady’s maid!”
Minka eyes the girl with feline suspicion, then turns to the side, presenting her flank. “You may pet me if you like. I’ll even allow you to pick me up if you don’t drop me.”
Angela wastes no time, scooping Minka into her arms and nestling her to her chest. “I’m so honored you’ve forgiven me.”
Minka closes her eyes and begins to purr as Angela strokes her fur. We move on from the landscape paintings to assess a series of glass sculptures in the shape of tiny pixies. My chest squeezes as I’m reminded of my three teachers.
I sidle closer to Angela and cast a glance around us, ensuring Thorne and Monty aren’t too close. Thorne remains where he was, while Monty paces the wall behind us. Keeping my tone nonchalant, I say, “You seem quite fond of Miss Dervins, even though Mr. Blackwood and your brother disapprove of your connection with her.”
“I am fond of her! I don’t understand why everyone dislikes her so. She and Brother used to be such good friends.”
Friends, not lovers. Does she not even know Cosette and Monty once courted? “Is that how the two of you became acquainted?”
“Sort of. We struck up correspondence after I started boarding school. She wrote to me, knowing I must be lonely being away from my family. She’s been my only true friend since.”
“Youronlyfriend?”
Her expression sinks. We move on to the next display, a wall of still-life paintings, and she releases a heavy sigh. “I haven’t had the best of luck making friends at boarding school. I’m at the top of my class and I come from one of Earthen Court’s most prestigious human families. I thought these things would make me popular, but they haven’t. Instead, the girls treat me coldly.”
“I’m so sorry.”
She dons a grin that doesn’t reach her eyes. “That’s why I’m happy I have Miss Dervins.”
My chest tightens. Stars, no wonder Thorne and Monty have kept quiet about Cosette’s treachery. The girl has no other friends, and she’s clearly being bullied at school. How would she feel if she discovered her only companion has interest in her brother instead of her? I thought I’d be brave enough to tell her the truth, but it turns out I’m just as weak as the two men when it comes to Angela’s feelings. So instead, I give her a different truth. “You have me now. And…and Minka.”
Minka shifts in the girl’s arms. “I do like you much better now that you aren’t throwing me in puddles.”
Angela chuckles. “I’m so glad. And I’m honored to have your friendship too, Highness. After you marry my brother, we’ll be even closer. You’ll be my sister.”
Against my will, the smile slips from my face. While I want to be Angela’s friend, the reminder that I’ll be marrying her brother takes away all the pleasantness I felt a second before.
She moves on to the next group of paintings, pointing out one to Minka that features three playful kittens. Meanwhile, my feet remain rooted to the spot. A rebellious fire burns inside me, the same I felt when I first heard of my surprise engagement. I don’t want to do this.
Idon’twant this.
My gloved fists curl tighter as I remind myself that this aversion, this burning dread, is exactly what it takes to break the curse on my family. Yet the fire remains. It burns brighter. Stronger.
“You look beautiful.” Thorne’s deep whisper empties my mind and sends a shudder up my spine. I angle my head over my shoulder and find him standing just behind me. “That’s not one of the dresses I bought for you.”
“No, it isn’t,” I say, doing my best to keep my voice even. “It’s from one of my teachers.”
“It suits you.”
“Thank you.”
