“There’s the witch princess,” someone whispered.
“What is that on her neck?”
We ducked through the curtains.
Giselle gave a low whistle, glancing back at the rabble. “Not a subtle group, are they?” She made a face when she saw me clutching Misty to my chest like my life depended on it. “Narcissa! Don’t try to shield my work of art with a cat.”
Misty hissed.Iamthe work of art.She jumped to the floor.
I covered the back of my neck. “This can’t be wise,” I said, peering at the opera-goers between the curtains. They looked as upset as the Vandil crowd did. If Alevine was as anti-witch as Ulysses claimed, the blatant exposure of my witch traits would only rile them.
“They’ll have to accept they have an herbwitch princess sooner or later,” Giselle said firmly.
“What if they don’t?”
Giselle’s expression softened. “They will,” she said, squeezing my hand. “Now, I’m going to see if there’s a smithy somewhere. I’ve lost my smoothing iron and all my skirts are horribly wrinkled.”
“You’re not staying?” I asked, slightly panicked. Without Giselle, I’d be the only witch present.
She merely gave a coy wave and disappeared behind the curtains. I sighed and picked Misty back up.
“Narcissa. You’re here.”
I whirled around.
Bennett stood stiffly beside the seats, his gaze sweeping over me. I tucked a stray curl behind my ear, unsure of what to make of his expression.
“You didn’t discharge my guards,” I said after a beat.
“You were right. I was being a fool.”
“I didn’t mean to insult you, I was just—”
“It’s fine.” Bennett cleared his throat. “You...you look good.”
Misty squirmed out of my arms again.I think I hear some mice in that corner. She darted to the far end of the box.
“You as well,” I choked out, taking a seat. It wasn’t a lie. He looked devastatingly handsome in his suit of black and white. Giselle had sewn slivers of emerald silk along his cuffs and lapels.
Bennett rubbed a hand over his face—though it did little to conceal his reddening cheeks. He sat down beside me.
“Thank you. For the jewelry,” I said. Silence seemed worse than awkward conversation.
“Do you like it?” He turned to me eagerly.
I was startled by the light in his eyes. And the way my breath caught in response. I nodded.
“Perfect. Green suits you.”
I dipped my head—my poor attempt at concealingmyreddening cheeks.
Bennett cleared his throat. “I originally wanted to go to the aviary but Ulysses convinced me otherwise.”
“The aviary? Whatever for?”
“Er...you like animals, yes? I thought a bird would—never mind. T-the necklace...you look lovely,” Bennett finished lamely.
I blushed.
