Lord Frederick cleared his throat. “Well, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to come to me. I’d be happy to assist if you need to pass any messages to His Highness.”
“Thank you, Lord Frederick,” I said, “but that won’t be necessary.” If I wanted to win the crown prince’s favor, I’d have to do it myself.
He nodded and glanced over his shoulder. “Looks about time to go. Enjoy the ride, milady.”
I let the curtains drop.
Misty jumped to the opposite seat and stretched herself out on the cushion.Looks like you have your work cut out for you.
“I know. This is going to be—”
The carriage door burst open, letting in a flood of cold air. A young woman with a leather satchel stood outside, eyes flicking around the interior of the carriage until they settled on me. I recognized her as the dark-haired woman speaking to the crown prince earlier.
“Are you Lady Narcissa?” Her eyes glinted gold, as did the freckle on her left cheekbone.
Did all the witches in the palace have no manners?
“I am. And you are?” I said, pulling the collar of my spencer tighter around my neck.
“Giselle. Charmwitch, dressmaker extraordinaire, peacekeeper, and your carriage companion for the next hour.”
She threw her braid over her shoulder and swung inside, shooing Misty back onto my side of the seats. Misty hissed, baring her fangs, but the charmwitch didn’t seem to mind.
“I see you’re wearing one of my ensembles,” she said, looking me up and down. “Gorgeous, isn’t it?”
I shifted. I had never witnessed someone admire their own work so shamelessly.
She raised her brows at the brown footprint on my hem and tutted. “And it’s ruined already. Good thing I sew quickly.” Giselle flipped open her satchel and dug into it so deeply that her shoulder disappeared inside. “A bottomless bag enchantment,” she said when she caught me staring. “Quite simple. I can show you sometime.”
“That is...fine,” I said.
“Aha! Here we are.” Giselle fished out a hefty wad of fern green fabric I couldn’t make sense of. “Where’s my thimble?”
She rummaged through her satchel again, this time sticking her head in as well.
Heavens, what an annoying woman, Misty said in displeasure.
I couldn’t help but agree. I expected to spend the ride contemplating my next steps and perhaps take a nap. Now I was stuck with the seamstress of all people, who clearly wasn’t the quiet type.
Giselle reemerged with her sewing supplies just as the carriage jerked into motion. The palace courtyard disappeared behind us, as well as all hope of getting rid of her.
“So,” she mumbled as she slipped an end of thread into her mouth, “how was your morning?”
I frowned. The woman had barged inside, barely introduced herself, and now was inquiring about my morning like we were old friends.
I folded my gloved hands on my knee. “Excuse me, but I hardly know who you are.”
Giselle threaded her needle, which was rather impressive as the carriage rattled over cobblestone. “Ah. You’re the prim and proper sort,” she said. “Well, milady, I am the newly appointed royal seamstress, here to dress you and the crown prince during the tour.”
I glanced at the left side of her bodice, where an acorn pin glimmered against the teal fabric. “What else do you do?” I said.
Giselle looked down at the pin and smiled. “Observant, aren’t you?”
“You’re on the witch committee,” I said. I tried to recall if I saw her in the ballroom the other night.
She shrugged a shoulder. “Yes. In addition to my many talents, I also have a knack for keeping everyone calm when things...escalate.”
I raised a brow. So that was what she meant when she called herself a peacekeeper. “Using magic on angry masses who already hate magic? That can’t be wise.”
