“I doubt the King's Council would be pleased about that either,” I mumbled.
“We’ll have to convince them, of course,” Narcissa chimed in.The rustle of silk sounded as a maid disappeared behind the screen to help her change.
I turned back to Crown Prince Bennett.“So what do you need me for?”
“I need you to be the tour guide.And house our emissary, if possible.”
My jaw clenched.No.No.No.Anything but that.
“Any witch from the committee could be a guide,” I said calmly.
“None will be as qualified as you.Your family plays a significant role in Witch Village.Your grandmother was one of its founders, correct?”
I swallowed.Heavens.Grandma could have stayed a secret.If she were still alive, she’d certainly sentence me to tying a hundred hemp knots for her charms as punishment.Or perhaps two hundred.
“The visit will be a quiet affair,” the crown prince continued.“I just need you to show our emissary around the village and help him get settled.”
“I beg your pardon, Your Highness, but dragging a stiff old man around my hometown as he writes reports does not sound the least bit appealing.”
“Our emissary is not an old man.”
“Everyone who is anyone seems to be,” I grumbled.
A frown pulled at the corners of Bennett’s lips.Even I knew there was only so much of my impertinence he would tolerate.“You will be paid, of course.”
“Double my wages as the royal seamstressanda member of the Witch Committee combined,” I said, knowing that the number was ridiculously high.There was no way he would say yes.
A beat of silence passed.I barely mustered a smirk of victory before he said, “Done.”
I gaped.Good heavens.Maybe my wealth charm worked a littletoowell.
When I found my voice again, I said, “Your Highness, I can’t.I have a shop to run, and not to mention Narcissa’s wedding dress to sew.If you need a witch to show some nobleman around Witch Village, you’ve got a whole committee at your beck and call.There’s nothing I can offer that they can’t.”
Narcissa emerged from behind the privacy screen and joined us, the sage green silk of her day dress rustling.Crown Prince Bennett’s expression softened at the sight of her.
“We trust you the most, especially after last winter.”She bent to pet each of the kittens, who all clamored for her attention.“Besides.My wedding gown can’t take you that long.You’ve made dresses in less than a day.”
“Look, as flattering as that sentiment is—”
“Consider the offer.I’ll have my steward come to you in a week’s time.Make your decision before then,” Crown Prince Bennett said as three cats reascended his shoulders.He scooped the last ginger one from the floor.“Come, Daffy.”
He nodded at me, then gently kissed Narcissa’s hand before exiting.
I stared until the last cat disappeared into the hall.“He can’t be serious.”
Narcissa tilted her head.“Is Witch Village that bad?”
“What makes you say that?It’s as perfect as we witches could make it.”
“You seem reluctant to return.Was it not good to you?”
“Of course it was.I had food and shelter and family,” I said stiffly.“But I doubt your emissary is going to find it very interesting.”
“The issue isn’t lack of interest.It’s fear,” Narcissa said, her brows furrowing.“Bennett and I need to show the King's Council that witches are nothing like they assume.Prejudices run deep, and we need one of their own to change their minds.”
“Like the crown prince?He is marrying you after all.”
Narcissa shook her head.“I’m not what comes to mind when the council thinks of witches.”
