The door, she meowed.
I wordlessly turned the knob and watched her slink down the hall. Whistling and light footsteps came from the other end. Giselle raised her eyebrows at the sight of me.
“Why so gloomy?” she said.
I shook my head. “It’s nothing.”
***
IT TURNED OUT THATthe seamstress was on her way to fit me for a new dress. Lady Ruan had convinced King Maximus to attend the show tonight, and to my surprise, he had accepted. Giselle was in charge of dressing us all.
“But His Majesty plans to ambush the rebels tonight,” I said as she buttoned me into a midnight blue gown, complete with a chiffon shawl.
“Oh? There’s no reason he can’t attend while Lord Frederick does the dirty work,” Giselle said through a mouthful of pins.
I stood still as she adjusted the length of the slight train. “I suppose. I just think...” I sighed and shook my head. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter.” Whatever mystery was left to solve, it was up to Lord Frederick and the king. Perhaps Father as well. Bennett and I had done our part.
Giselle didn’t seem to be listening. She was scrutinizing the fliers that lay at the corner of my vanity, the pins abandoned.
“This woman...” she said, pointing at the likeness of Celeste. “She looks familiar.”
“She’s the new soprano everyone is raving about,” I said. “Do you know her?”
Giselle shook her head, but the crease between her brows didn’t disappear even as she finished making adjustments on the dress. I stopped her at the door.
“You should come with us,” I said. Misty would likely not join me after our conversation, and I had little desire to be stuck in a box with a father and son upset with each other.
Giselle waved her hand in the air. “Oh, I never liked theatrical productions. Besides, I want to sleep early tonight. Enjoy yourself.”
After she left, I found myself meandering about the halls, pacing in front of a certain door. My palms felt clammy. I shut my eyes before mustering up the courage to knock twice.
The door opened.
“Narcissa,” Lady Vanessa said, blue eyes widening. She was still in her dressing gown with curl papers in her hair, despite it being nearly noon.
“Is this a bad time?” I asked.
She broke into a smile. “Not at all. Come inside, I’m having tea.”
Lady Vanessa’s room was less grand than mine, though the tasteful pastel furnishings suited her perfectly. I took a seat at the edge of a chaise longue.
“Can I help you with anything, dear?” Lady Vanessa asked, pouring herself a cup of tea.
I fidgeted, pushing the fringe of the rug with my shoe. “I was wondering if you would like to attend the show tonight? With me.”
She set the teapot down, her expression all surprise. I couldn’t blame her. I avoided her at every turn in Greenwood Abbey.
“It’s alright if you do not have time,” I said when she didn’t answer.
Lady Vanessa shook her head, a few curls falling from their papers. “No, I do! I have all the time in the world.” She beamed, lighting up the room.
“So you will come?”
“Of course! I’m quite fond of the theater,” Lady Vanessa said. “I was hoping your father would take me, but alas he’s on duty.”
I cracked a smile. “He’ll be there. Just facing away from the stage.”
She laughed. “Yes, precisely.” She looked around the spotless room. “Though...I’m afraid I don’t have anything appropriate to wear.”
