I folded a chemise and put it in my suitcase. Lady Marianna would be horrified to see me packing my own things, but mundane tasks seemed to calm me more than laying around in bed.
“You’re more than welcome to wait outside with Misty,” I said, straightening the sheets. The guards were already reassembling the procession for the journey to Alevine, carrying provisions and leading the horses out in the courtyard. Misty had followed, wanting fresh air after so many days of bedrest.
Pippin jumped on top of the bedside table and surveyed the room.That does sound tempting. But I thought I’d pay you a visit after not seeing you for so long.
“I’m perfectly fine, as you can see,” I said, holding out my arms. I had regained my energy the day before and the cut on my neck had scabbed over nicely. “Now run along. I’m sure Misty will enjoy your company.”
Pippin nosed the opera flier that lay discarded beneath him.Smells like lemons, he commented, yawning. He padded onto the mattress.I’ll be honest—I am in desperate need of attention. Bennett has been awfully glum lately. He won’t even look at me.
Little did Pippin know we shared the same problem.
I supposed Bennett was busy drafting reports about the situation and helping at the witch market. But others had already taken over the job. He was back to distrusting me, like the past months didn’t even happen.
Well, Pippin said crossly,are you going to pet me?
I indulged him with a thorough belly rub. Soon after, Lady Marianna came with servants to escort me outside.
“It was lovely having you, dear. Although I wish events could have turned out differently near the end,” she said, giving me a rueful smile.
I thanked her earnestly and bid her goodbye, realizing that I would miss her motherly affections. Her attentions hadn’t been unlike Lady Vanessa’s, if I had bothered to accept the latter.
The courtyard was dark and slick with rain, though some spots were already evaporating in the sunlight. Vandil and Coriva had rather mild weather, but once we reached Alevine, it was sure to grow colder. A few horses nickered as I passed, thanking me for the extra sugar cubes they had received in exchange for their heroism.
When I opened the carriage door, I was surprised to see Maddox, Giselle, Misty, and Pippin crammed inside.
“Has anyone told you how vile you smell?” Giselle asked, scowling as Maddox rearranged his sword.
“Has anyone told you how naggy you are, woman? First you insult my clothing, which by the way, I have no control over, and now—”
“Narcissa! There you are.” Giselle held out a hand to help me up.
I seated myself gingerly between Pippin and Misty, who sprung apart at my appearance. “What are you all doing in here?”
“Lord Frederick says the journey to Alevine will take two weeks of traveling,” Maddox said. “It’ll be better if you had a guard near at all times. Not to mention, Alevine is even more anti-witch than Vandil.”
“Is it?” I asked, gathering both cats to my sides.
He nodded. “That’s what Ulysses said. It’s the furthest from Delibera, so most people there don’t care for royalty. You’ll have to be extra careful once we arrive.”
I raised my brows. “Look who’s taking their job seriously.” It seemed only yesterday he was complaining about losing his freedom.
Maddox’s ears reddened as he struggled to come up with a retort.
Giselle smacked his arm with the glove she was embroidering. “Don’t hurt yourself,” she said breezily. I wondered when they had a chance to become so familiar. “Anyway, we’re here to keep you company. It’ll be great fun.”
Maddox scoffed. “Assuming you stop nag—Ow!”
