Her gaze remained on me as she asked, “And you?”
I exchanged another swift look with Magnus. “I’m going with him.”
“She sure is,” he confirmed cheerfully.
“What a pity you won’t be joining us, but how considerate of you to come all this way to deliver the unhappy news,” she said with a curl of her painted lips.
She really did look beautiful in a red wedding gown with intricate florals embroidered across the bodice. The gown had a sweetheart neckline, which showed off the gold and ruby amulet she wore around her neck. Her hair was pulled into a low braided bun, and she wore a gold tiara like the princess she already considered herself to be.
“Thanks for understanding, Ori. Now that we’ve let you know, we’ll be on our way,” said Magnus, making for the doorway.
Taking that as my cue to leave, I made to follow him, but Oriane blocked my path. “One can’t help but wonder what could be so vital that you’d forgo witnessing the union of Prince Tarben and me? It must be of exceptional importance,” she said.
“I assure you, it is,” I said, drawing to my full height so I looked down on her. “I’m sure no one is more regretful about missing out on the grand celebration of such a genuine love match than we are.”
From the smirk on her face, I could tell she didn’t believe me. She took a step closer, into my space. As she did, I felt a strange sensation wash over me that had nothing to do with the cloying floral perfume she wore.
Lowering her voice, she spoke. “Nice try, but I know you’re lying. There’s no other engagement. No matter, our ceremony has a strict no animals policy. That rule extends to discarded bitches.”
I barely registered what she said. I glanced around the room, distracted by the strange sensation. It was like hearing a hum and feeling a low vibration in the air. Where was it coming from?
No one else seemed to notice it. The lady’s maids stared at the rug, shifting uncomfortably. Magnus looked between Oriane and me, barely concealing his rapt amusement, and Filip had one foot out of the doorway, as if he was readying himself to flee. Oriane just stared at me, triumph painted all over her features.
“And why is that? Are you scared they’ll show their teeth?” I responded. There was magic in this room, I was certain of it. How in confinement was I going to find its source?
A humorless laugh. “Scared? No. In a few hours, I’ll have the power to ensure that even the most belligerent of beasts is muzzled. Speaking of which, it’s time you take your leave. I have a ceremony to prepare for.”
“Congratulations. I hope you get everything you deserve,” I said with a smile that was all teeth. Why hadn’t I felt the magic when I was searching the room? Unless… I placed a hand on her shoulder. “And I truly mean that.”
“I’m sure.” Shrugging my hand away, she flashed me a smile that clearly said,“I won”.“I’ll be sure to save you some wedding cake.”
Stepping out of the room, I ignored the jibe. My mind was too busy reeling from what had just happened.
When I’d touched her, I’d felt a hum of energy shoot up my arm, similar to what I felt when I touched the grimoire at Basia’s cottage. It was much weaker, but it was undeniably the same kind of sensation. But it wasn’t coming from Oriane, it wascoming from something else…
My back straightened at the realization.
The amulet.
The amulet she wore around her neck was imbued with magic. I knew that with absolute certainty. I knew it, because I had seen that amulet before.
Chapter 43
Without a word of explanation to Filip and Magnus, my feet lurched into action.
“Where are you going?” Filip asked.
“I’ve realized something! No time to explain—I’ll meet you back in Hugo’s quarters,” I called over my shoulder.
Clutching the skirts of my gown, I flew down the hallways and corridors towards the staircase, all while maneuvering between alarmed servants who were clearly run off their feet with wedding duties.
By the time I rounded the corner of the corridor leading to my bedchamber, breathless and flushed, I almost collided into a figure heading in the opposite direction.
I managed to dodge out of her path in time to avoid bowling her over, but Ingrid looked less than impressed. “What in goddesses’ names are you doing?”
“Sorry Ingrid,” I apologized, breathless.
Still, I didn’t stop. I did not have the luxury of a chit-chat.
