It seemed like he was in a friendlier mood today. I accepted his arm gingerly and we made it to the dining room in silence. His gait was stiffer than usual. No doubt he was suffering from a sore backside from riding yesterday, as Misty had predicted.
Served him right.
“Your Highness, Lady Narcissa,” Lord Frederick greeted us from the table. Two women beside him stood and curtsied—one older and the other younger. They introduced themselves as Lady Huntington and Miss Isabelle Huntington, respectively.
“It is an honor to share our home with you, Your Highness,” Lady Huntington said as Crown Prince Bennett took his seat at the head of the table. I sat in the empty spot to his right, across from Lord Frederick and next to his daughter.
“Papa always keeps the grounds so lovely,” Miss Isabelle said, leaning forward. I caught a whiff of strong lilac perfume. “Perhaps Mama and I can give you a tour, Your Highness.” She gave him a deeply dimpled smile.
“His Highness is busy, Isabelle,” Lord Frederick said, buttering a piece of toast. “You’re going into town today, isn’t that right, Your Highness?”
The crown prince nodded.
“There now, Izzy. Perhaps you can show him and Lady Narcissa around another time.”
Isabelle pouted. I swore I saw her shoot me a glare from my periphery.
What is there to eat? Misty emerged beneath my chair, looking up expectantly.
I scanned the spread on the table. Fresh bread and butter, tea, several bowls of fruit, and pitchers of cream.
No fish, I thought to her.How do you feel about cantaloupe?Misty always liked the fruit. She claimed its texture was similar to raw flesh.
Cantaloupe? In winter?
I blinked.That is unusual. Do you want some or not?
I suppose it will do.
I took a piece of fruit and put it on a separate dish for her. Misty jumped up eagerly.
“Eek! What is thatthing?” Isabelle screeched, jerking up from her chair.
Misty hissed, pupils dilating. I quickly stroked the back of her head to soothe her.
“A cat, Miss Huntington,” I said with a grimace. Her scream practically tore through my ear.
Lord Frederick looked simultaneously appalled and embarrassed. “Really, Isabelle!”
“Frederick, I thought I told you Izzy is allergic to animals,” Lady Huntington said. “How could you allow one in here?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. She has nothing of the sort.”
Lady Huntington ignored her husband and turned to me. “Excuse my daughter’s manners, Lady Narcissa, but Isabelle has...delicate health. I’m afraid your pet cannot dine with us. Serena!”
The maid rushed in, face flushed. “Yes, Lady Huntington?”
Lady Huntington narrowed her eyes. “I thought I informed you about Isabelle’s allergy.”
“Y-yes milady.”
“Then take Lady Narcissa’s cat to the stables at once,” the lady said, “unless you wish for your young miss to fall ill.”
I stood from my seat. “Misty cannot stay in the stables. She is a house cat.”
Lady Huntington looked at me through heavy lashes. She forked a cube of cantaloupe. “Will she not be able to hold her own? Is she not magic?”
“My cat is not a witch, Lady Huntington,” I said slowly. “I am.”
