“He doesn’t need time, he needs a purpose! Listen here, boy. If you are not spending your time more sensibly next month, you’ll have no place in my will!”
Maddox barked an incredulous laugh. “Good heavens, Father. Last time I checked we arenobility.How could you disown your only heir for not slaving away like a commoner? What about Narcissa? Doesn’tsheneed a purpose?”
Tizzy lifted my hair away from the nape of my neck. I stiffened. My witch traits—the mark of a possessor of magic—marred the spot in a smattering of golden birthmarks. It was the reason I never wore my hair up and always made sure to conceal that area with powder. I stopped after Father took me in, but it still garnered whispers from the abbey’s staff.
At least Tizzy had stopped fainting at the sight of it.
“I just want Narcissa to be happy,” Father said.
My half-brother laughed again. “And you don’t wantmeto be happy? Ever since that witch came you’ve been treating me like dirt.”
“Maddox, please,” Lady Vanessa pleaded.
“Can nobody see that?” he demanded. “Mother, I do not know whyyouare supporting this. That witch must be using her magic!”
“You will not speak ill of witchkind, Maddox,” Father growled, his voice dangerously quiet. “Youare half-witch. Do you condemn yourself? Do you condemn me?”
“I don’t have anounceof magic. You made sure of that when you rid us both of those cursed powers!” Maddox shouted. “That seems to be the only decent decision you made in your entire life!”
The thud of a boot striking the stone floor reverberated in the hall. “We are all going to the ball. Maddox, you will meet with the other members of the Royal Guard and be happy to do so. That. Is. Final.” Father’s heavy footsteps faded away, leaving shocked silence in their wake.
“Gah! I can’t believe him!”
“Your father needs time to cool,” Lady Vanessa said. “And so do you. Join me for tea?”
“I’m going for a ride.”
Another set of footsteps stormed off, followed by a quiet sigh.
I sat still as Lady Vanessa left the hall. Father’s last words swirled in my head.We are all going to the ball.
Did he mean me as well?
I turned, taking the ivory comb from Tizzy’s hands. “That is enough, Tizzy. You’re dismissed.”
“Yes, milady.” The maid bobbed several curtsies and scampered off, no doubt to tell the rest of the staff what she overheard.
Misty sauntered over from the bed and leaped into my lap. I stroked her midnight fur on impulse, trying to calm my heartbeat.
Your first appearance in society after switching allegiance?Misty said.That’s going to be interesting.
“Second,” I corrected. My first was the engagement party Amarante invited me to all those months ago.
The faces of the other guests were enough to convince me never to emerge from my room again. There was nothing quite so humiliating as being the jewel of high society, then having everyone witness my downfall. How was I supposed to act in the presence of those same people half a year later?
And even worse—how would the royals treat me? The palace had been my second home growing up. The last I saw of them was the masquerade ball that changed everything. King Maximus hadn’t even summoned me when he decreed me as Father’s ward. He wanted nothing to do with me, I was sure.
Calm yourself, darling. You know I like being pet slowly,Misty meowed.
“Father can’t possibly expect me to go to this ball,” I said, setting down my comb with a clack.
Talk to him. You know he’ll do anything for you.
Misty jumped to the carpeted floor as I stood. Tizzy had left, so I was stuck dressing myself. After throwing on a simple gray gown and a wool spencer, I opened my window.
The garden was just below. I knew Father frequented the fountain when I wasn’t there. It was where he and I used to play when I was a child.
I threw my legs over the windowsill and eased myself out. My damp hair grew icy against my neck as I traversed the lawn, ducking behind a rose bush when I passed the gazebo where Lady Vanessa took her tea.
