Before I could reply, my stepmother shouted from below. “Hurry now! Before we’re late to our own party!”
Genevieve rushed past me in a powder blue gown. She was flushed pink, her eyes shining. “We better do as Mama says, if we want her in the best of moods tonight,” she said between breaths.
I exchanged a look with Papa. “Maybe Aunt Lana will show up after all,” I said to him.
“Maybe,” Papa said, straightening his cravat. He offered me his arm. “Well, my flower, let us go before your stepmother flies off the handle.”
The carriage ride to the palace was full of tension and excitement. Genevieve stared out the window for most of it, most likely thinking about Cedric as Lydia talked her ear off. By the time we arrived, the banquet hall was already scattered with guests.
Olivia and Tori met us at the entrance. “Look at you, the radiant bride!” Tori exclaimed, turning Genevieve around to admire the lace and beading of her gown.
“Thank you,” Genevieve said, laughing.
“Have you tried the candied pineapple?” Tori asked, showing us her napkin filled with the crystallized fruit. “It’s phenomenal. The palace cooks really know what they’re doing. Next time Pa hosts an event he will have to hold it here. But he’ll probably be too distracted by the food to be a proper host—”
Olivia elbowed her out of the way. “Cedric’s out in the hallway,” she said, dragging Genevieve out of Tori’s grasp. “I’ll show you.”
Tori sighed dramatically as the two went off. “Ah, young love. Distracts you from what’s most important,” she said, looking down at her sweets. She popped one into her mouth. “So. Who are you looking for?”
I stopped my wandering gaze. “My aunt,” I said. “Have you seen her?”
“Nope. But I think someone else wants to see you,” Tori said, tilting her head to the left. I recognized Narcissa’s fiery hair behind a pillar. She was throwing glances my way.
“I suppose,” I said with a sigh. Genevieve insisted on inviting everyone to her party, even our not so amiable acquaintances. Julianna was invited too, but I had yet to see her face anywhere. She avoided me like the plague ever since the masquerade and my hearing with the king, which certainly was a blessing.
I wandered over to the pillars where Narcissa stood alone, Misty in her arms. Her brow was creased. Her expression didn’t change when she noticed me.
“Amarante,” she said curtly. Misty purred as Narcissa rubbed the spot behind her ears.
I nodded in acknowledgment. “How are you?”
“Fine.”
“Won’t you join us?” I said.
She shook her head. I wondered why she kept throwing glances at me if she didn’t want to talk. And why she looked more miserable than usual. Surely her life improved after moving in with Captain Greenwood?
“You don’t have to pretend we’re friends,” Narcissa said just as I decided to leave.
I stopped. “Sorry?”
“We’re not friends,” Narcissa said again.
“I know.” She certainly hadn’t gotten friendlier in the past few months. “But we’re not so different,” I said.
She barked a short, mirthless laugh. “Yes, we are. You’re a hero. I’m just a witch who helped her traitor mother.”
“Narcissa—”
She shook her head again. “Look at me,” she said, “and look at everyone else. They’re afraid.”
As much as I tried to deny it, I couldn’t. The guests, most of them Lydia’s friends, were eying Narcissa like she was gunpowder about to explode.
My words lodged in my throat. I had my fair share of fearful looks, but after my hearing, I was mostly met with enthusiasm and sometimes even awe. My cheeks colored.
“You don’t have to stay, if you don’t want to,” I managed to say. “I’ll tell everyone you aren’t feeling well.”
She gave a small nod. The closest I’ll ever get to a thanks, no doubt.
