“Ssh.” I could hear footsteps coming down the corridor. My stomach unclenched when I saw it was only Filip.
“All clear?” I asked Filip as he approached us.
“Yes, but we need to hurry,” he whispered. “There were some maids hanging around, so I told them Oriane sent for them. We haven’t got much time before they realize I was lying.”
Not needing to be told twice, we followed him. We moved quickly and silently, eventually pausing in front of the door to Oriane’s rooms.
“I’ll stand guard. Do you remember the signal if anyone approaches?” asked Filip.
“It’s a wonderful day for a wedding,” Magnus and I said in unison, earning a nod of approval from Filip.
“Now, go.”
Magnus pulled open the door and I followed him into a luxurious sitting room bathed in shades of green, blue and gold.
“You take the bedchamber, I’ll look around here,” I whispered.
Magnus made his way to the adjoining bedchamber and I looked around, utterly overwhelmed. I had no idea what we were searching for, but I needed to start somewhere. Fueled with determination, I bypassed tables littered with half-empty goblets of wine, fresh flowers and a seemingly untouched bowl of fruit, and homed in on a wooden chest nestled beside the hearth, hoping it held the evidence we needed.
Heart racing, I flung open the lid, only to find it filled with swaths of expensive fabrics. Urgently—carelessly—my hands sifted through mounds of silk, velvet, and lace. Nothing incriminating. There was no time to dwell, I had to keep moving.
Next, my attention turned to an ornate desk with sheets of parchment stacked neatly on top of it. I rummaged through them but quickly saw they only detailed wedding plans. Clicking my tongue in annoyance, I pulled open drawer after drawer, searching through sheaves of parchment and quills and finding nothing.
Becoming desperate, I moved to the settee, frantically lifting the cushions and peering underneath. Nothing.
I continued my search of the room; no stone was left unturned. I checked behind portraits, under the feet of heavy furniture, inside cabinets and inside every book that lined the bookshelf. I found nothing.
Underneath my beautiful gown, I was sweating. The tickingclock on the mantel was an antagonist, urging me to move faster.
Just as I was about to check under the rugs for any loose floorboards, I heard the dreaded words. “It’s a wonderful day for a wedding.”
My body froze. All I could do was watch as the door handle turned.
It was too late to run and hide. Someone was already walking through the door—
Someone wearing a dramatic gown and a deep frown on her lovely face.
It was Oriane.
Shit. My heart was sprinting in my chest, but my body was paralyzed. How were we going to explain this?
Magnus came strolling out of the bedchamber with his hands in his pockets, while Filip appeared in the doorway, his eyes as wide as saucers. He caught my gaze then gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head.
For a too-long moment, no one said anything. The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension as Oriane took in the scene. We were joined by two lady’s maids, who looked as puzzled as Oriane.
I could think of exactly nothing to say, so I looked at Filip. He mouthed “Get out.”How bloody helpful.
It was Oriane who broke the silence. “What are you doing?” Her voice was sharp as a blade as she eyed us with suspicion.
Magnus and I exchanged a quick glance. One of us needed to start talking. I opened my mouth to speak, but Magnus beat me to it. “We came here looking for you, Ori.”
“How many times must I tell you, don’t call me that,” she snapped, nostrils flaring. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy watching him get under Oriane’s skin. “And why would the two of you possibly be looking for me?”
“We’ve come to let you know that, regrettably, we won’t beable to attend your nuptials this afternoon,” said Magnus.
Oriane tilted her head to study me. “Why ever not?” she asked sweetly.
“My presence is required at another engagement—saying no isn’t an option for me,” Magnus answered.
