“Theywould, actually. I’ve been telling you that for years. None of that docile nonsense matters. You might as well say to the Seven Hells with it and live exactly as you want.” Charlotte grinned. “Though it’s funny to me that, all this time, everyone thought you were the quiet one who always did what you were told, andIwas the wild and unpredictable one.”
“Perhaps you’re the only one, out of the two of us, who’s brave enough to wear their heart on their sleeve. For me, it does not come so easily.”
Their eyes met for a moment, and Elizabeth smiled sadly.
She was jealous for a hairsbreadth of a second that Charlotte had lived her life wild and free, true to herself, and had found a man who worshipped her. If her letters were anything to go by, Connall had met her and immediately fallen for exactly who Charlotte was. The jealousy disappeared in an instant, though, and she berated herself for being anything less than extraordinarily happy her friend had found a man who adored her.
Charlotte looked around the restaurant, ensuring they were not being overheard. “But this angel egging you on about magic is real funny business,” Charlotte said, chewing her lip once more.
“Yes, it was almost like he knew something I didn’t and was trying to warn me. Or protect me from something he knew was coming.”
“Any more bread for you, dears?” the waiter asked kindly, oblivious to the tension in the air between them.
Charlotte quickly shook her head, but Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, please.”
The waiter smiled and inclined his head, departing once more.
Elizabeth tore into another piece of bread, sighing in pleasure. “I can’t tell you what a blessing it is not to have to care about how much I eat and live in constant fear of getting fat.”
“If you don’t fit into your ballgowns anymore, can I have them?” Charlotte asked drily.
Elizabeth laughed. “I’m not … eating myself silly, I’m just … eating for sustenance and joy instead of hating myself for salivating over having a second slice of cake.”
Charlotte said wistfully, “Maybe when I marry Connall, I’ll get to enjoy the feeling.” Charlotte tilted her face. “Till then—” Charlotte hit one hand with the other, as if to say that she was taking her diet very strictly until her wedding day.
They dissolved into fits of giggles.
Charlotte stared off into space, lost in thought.
“It is fortunate you are away from the maneuvering of the court right now, Lizzy. Duke Howard feels slighted and is doing his best to ruin your family. It is a good thing you are gone and have no younger sister.”
Elizabeth poured herself another cup of tea and said heavily. “I figured as much.”
“And this demon. I’m sorry to have to deal with him. He must be awful.”
“He’s not so bad,” Elizabeth said truthfully, smiling a little.
“I don’t like that look on your face,” Charlotte said, looking scandalized. “Lizzy, don’t tell me you’ve grownfondof him? Tell me you’re not in love with that … thing.”
“A demon who drinks blood?” Elizabeth scoffed and wrinkled her nose in distaste. “I wouldNEVER.”
Charlotte looked slightly mollified.
“How’s Connall?” Elizabeth asked, eager to change the subject.
Charlotte sipped from her goblet and grimaced. “Truthfully, I’m a bit nervous to be married soon.” Charlotte pressed her lips together and suddenly looked more nervous than Elizabeth had ever seen her before.
“I’ve never been married before. What if I make a horrible wife?” Charlotte asked. “Sorry, Lizzy, I don’t mean to lay my troubles on you. I know you’re still sore over your arrangement. We don’t need to talk about me.”
Elizabeth held Charlotte’s eyes and smiled genuinely. “Charlotte. I am so incredibly happy for you. He sounds like a great man, and you deserve the very best.”
Charlotte smiled a little sadly. “Really? You won’t resent me if I become one of those boring married women?”
Elizabeth smiled in exasperation that Charlotte had ever worried about their friendship. “Never.”
Charlotte stuck out her lower lip, her eyes overly bright. “I’ve missed you.” Charlotte wiped her eyes and grinned. “Ah. I’m being silly. Is there anything else that’s new with you? Anything else we still need to talk about?”
Elizabeth thought of the dead bodies in the cellar, the goblets of blood—drunk so casually at dinner. She feared someday, Caspian’s control would snap, and she would be the next one to wind up in his cellar. The demon who had attacked her in the field, and the fact that she was frightened that if shedidhave magic, she was a dead woman walking.
