Once he’d disappeared around a corner, I made my way through the castle. I wanted to explore a bit more, familiarize myself with the layout.
If I was going to solve this mystery, I needed to understand the full scope of the problem.
CHAPTER NINE
SASHA
As I walked through the castle, Savory shifted on my shoulder.Wisdom has found its footing.
“And I’m starting to expect peculiarity as the norm here.”
The castle’s interior continued to impress me with its beauty, even as I noted more wilting plants in alcoves and drooping vines along the walls. The dying greenery seemed to be everywhere, a constant reminder that something was very wrong with the court’s magic.
Another problem I was eager to solve.
I stopped to examine a decorative arrangement near the main staircase. I suspected these vines would normally be lush and green year-round, fed by the castle’s ambient magic. Instead, they hung limp, their leaves yellowing. I touched one gently, trying to understand what was draining their energy.
The magical interference felt different here, older and more entrenched. I suspected whatever was affecting the plants had been building for weeks, possibly months.
I turned down a corridor lined with portraits, studyingthe painted faces of what must be Dominic’s ancestors. They all shared his sharp cheekbones, leaf-green eyes, and noble bearing. Some wore crowns of antlers like his formal one, while others had simpler circlets or elaborate hairstyles adorned with jewels.
“Your Majesty.”
I turned to find Lord Primrose and Lady Daphnie sweeping toward me, their elaborate outfits somehow even more extravagant than they’d been at breakfast. Lord Primrose’s jacket now featured actual flowers woven into the fabric, while Lady Daphnie’s gown had gained at least three additional layers of ruffles.
“How wonderful to see you,” Lady Daphnie said, her voice bright despite the giggles that interrupted her words. “We were just discussing the most romantic aspects of castle architecture.”
“The way the morning light falls through the eastern windows,” Lord Primrose said, pressing his lace handkerchief to his chest as a chuckle escaped him. “Like golden ribbons weaving through a hawk’s wings.”
“Hawks again?” Lady Daphnie’s fan snapped open. “I was thinking more along the lines of sunbeams dancing like lovers in a meadow.”
“That’s lovely too,” I said in a careful tone. “Have either of you had tea or cakes recently?”
They both paused their debate, blinking at me in surprise.
“Why, no,” Lady Daphnie said after a moment. “We breakfasted quite early this morning. We prefer to take some privately so we can gaze into each other’s souls without distraction. We’re on our way to our suite to have lunch right now.”
“We were distracted by our discussion of architectural romance. It’s very compelling.”
So they were giggling without having consumed anything recently? My theory about contaminated food suddenly seemed less solid.
“I see.” I kept my tone neutral while my mind raced. “Thank you for letting me know.”
“Is there something wrong with the tea and cakes?” Lady Daphnie asked, concern flickering across her face. “Because I absolutely adore Alaina’s lemon cakes, and if there’s an issue?—”
“Nothing to worry about,” I said quickly. “I’m just trying to understand some dietary patterns in the court.”
“How wonderfully diplomatic,” Lord Primrose said, though another giggle bubbled up his throat. “Like tracking the migration of wild geese to better understand their mating rituals.”
“Not quite the same thing,” I said. “But I appreciate the thought.”
“We should let you continue your exploration,” Lady Daphnie said, though she looked reluctant to end the conversation. “But do know that we’re available if you need romantic advice or poetic inspiration.”
Lord Primrose lifted his chin. “I’ve been working on a new ode comparing true love to various woodland creatures. Perhaps you’d like to hear it?”
“Maybe another time,” I said, backing away slowly. “I have quite a bit to attend to this afternoon.”
“Of course, of course.” Lady Daphnie waved her fan my way. “But remember, dear, that new love requires constant nurturing. Like a delicate flower in a garden of matrimonialbliss.”
