“That wasn’t part of the plan.”
The seamstress shook her head. Her usual braid was replaced with a slick ponytail. “The witches of Alevine deserve to see their crown princess right before she saves them, don’t you think?”
I shuffled back into my cot, comforted by Misty and Pippin’s slumbering forms. “I wasn’t invited. Celeste will suspect something is off. I’m supposed to be with Dominic now, remember?” I said, shuddering. I hoped his night in the wardrobe was a miserable one.
Giselle grabbed my shoulders. “Exactly. That’ll show her that nothing she’s doing will stop you. That you’re stronger than she thinks you are. Those rioters will think twice before attempting another scheme again.”
I set my jaw and nodded. Appearances were everything. The tour was over and done, but I was not.
“Shouldn’t you have made something a little more...grand?” I asked, looking at the ensemble. It was lovely, but not exquisite like her usual dresses.
“The audience tonight will be witches,” Giselle said. “Most aren’t too impressed with luxury. What are you waiting for? Try it on.”
It fit perfectly, as always, though the blouse and skirt made me feel freer than I did in my usual evening wear. Giselle left to catch some sleep, stumbling over Maddox’s foot on the way out.
“Watch it!” they said in unison. Giselle blushed, dumped a pile of purple on his lap, and disappeared down the hall.
I decided not to comment on their strange exchange as I stuck my head out the threshold. “You didn’t have to stand guard all night, you know.”
Maddox rubbed his eyes. “Lord Frederick trusted me to do the job.” He stretched his back and blinked. “I should check if Dominic is still alive.”
I gladly let him do that, having no wish to see the general’s son ever again if I could help it. I’d have to have the remaining dresses in my wardrobe burned.
“What are you two talking about?”
I ducked back into the room. Lady Vanessa sat up in the bed, yawning into her hand.
“Nothing,” I said quickly. “Good morning, Lady Vanessa.”
“Good morning.” She smiled sleepily, pulling her braid out from her chemise. It was mussed, like Misty’s fur would be after rolling around in the grass. “It’s nice that the two of you are getting along.”
I busied myself with rearranging my cot. Misty was still asleep, curled against Pippin. “Right,” I said, tucking the edges of my blanket around them. “I suppose we got used to each other in the past few months.”
Lady Vanessa stood, straightening her sheets. “It’s more than that, surely. Maddox never gets along with anyone unless he respects them in some way.”
I shrugged. “Or maybe he likes the idea of having a sister to order around.”
“Maybe.” She laughed. “Your father will be very pleased with both of you once we return.” Her smile dimmed at the mention of Father. He had abandoned her without so much as a word a few days ago. Though it wasn’t his fault, it still must have hurt.
“You’ll see him soon.” I sat back on my heels, cheeks warming. Lady Vanessa’s kindness was something I’d never forget. If only I wasn’t so uncomfortable repaying it.
“I know. I always do,” Lady Vanessa said softly. Her lips quirked up again. “You look lovely in purple.”
Misty rolled over onto her back, paws in the air as Lady Vanessa disappeared into the washroom. I rubbed her ears, smiling at how comfortable she looked. Pippin yawned and licked Misty’s head fondly.
“You two really like each other, don’t you?” I murmured, hugging my knees to my chest.
Pippin meowed in affirmation. I blew out a breath, displacing a few curls. “I’m sorry I overreacted,” I whispered, scratching Misty under the chin. “I was just scared. Maybe a little lonely...but not anymore.”
Misty mewed.
“You were right all along. I bet you love that.” I tweaked her nose and looked at Pippin. “And you have a lot to explain to me after tonight. You looked extremely well-groomed for a cat Bennett picked up off the street.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the expression on his little face. Somehow even if I didn’t understand them, my heart felt much lighter than it did yesterday.
***
THE STEPS OF THE GRANDAlevine Opera were flooded with witches, bundled up to the chin with gray wool coats and colorful knit scarves. A bracing wind howled through the glistening streets. It had rained in the afternoon but the clouds had since cleared, exposing an indigo sky speckled with stars.
