I love it when she acts like this, instead of trying to be so perfect and proper. Hannah would die before she let anyone but me, Rowan, or Father see her this way.
“Did you see thebathtub?” Hannah asked dramatically, as if it came with a live mermaid. “Everything here is beautiful and soft and warm. It’s nothing like the castle in Carrowmore.”
That’s an understatement.
The Connollys met King Gerard and Queen Camille downstairs for dinner.
“How has the transition to king been, Tristan?” King Gerard asked.
“Other than getting lost in that damned castle?” King Tristan chuckled. “Everything is great once I find the room I’m supposed to be in!”
“I wasn’t surprised to hear Carrowmore promoted their Fire Lord. Didn’t the Kennedy family also specialize in Fire magic?”
“They did. I may be biased, but Fire is the right element to lead a kingdom. But you know all about being the right choice, Gerard. I can’t imagine having the Aromatic fae running Gryon!”
Both of the kings laughed mightily at this.
Queen Camille wants to roll her eyes at them. I just know it.
Hannah needs to relax and stop fidgeting. Where the hell is Prince Alexander? We came all the way here and he won’t even say hello? Hannah deserves better.
“Yes.” King Gerard nodded. “Vision fae are the real leaders here. Although I do enjoy having all four abilities of Perceptual magic.”
“That was definitely one of the better perks of becoming king,” King Tristan said. “I’ve picked up Air and Water well enough for now, but Earth is trickier than I expected.”
“I struggled with Taste magic. My guests kept spitting out their wine because it tasted like onions!”
Queen Camille’s eyes glazed over, a natural defense against the stories she’d heard a million times. She noticed Evelyn staring at her and refocused her attention. “The two of you have Fire magic, right? Would you be willing to give us a demonstration?”
Hannah sat up straighter and raised a hand. Her fingers danced like she was playing a piano. Four small spheres of fire appeared over the table, quickly morphing into songbirds. The birds flitted about, chasing each other through the air.
Evelyn waved her hand and a tower of flames erupted at the edge of the room, whirling like a tornado. The fire slithered across the ceiling and transformed into a dragon. Withoutwarning, the flame dragon swooped down and swallowed Hannah’s songbirds before disappearing.
Queen Camille’s eyes were wide with wonder, and even King Gerard seemed impressed. Evelyn’s father was pleased, both because he taught her that trick and because his new ally approved. Hannah, however, glared mutinously at her sister.
Let her be mad. I’m going to have fun while we’re here.
2
Arson
Evelyn returned to her room after dinner and opened another window. The ocean had been beautiful in the sunshine but was absolutely dazzling in the moonlight. She couldn’t see anyone on the palace grounds or the beach.
I’m not staying inside all night when there’s a warm beach right there. I’ll make sure no one sees me. I don’t need a lecture from Father about wandering around unsupervised.
Evelyn changed out of her heavy gown and into a lighter dress. The gauzy, dark blue fabric was perfect for not drawing attention to herself and drying quickly. She also decided to leave her shoes in her room. The click-clacking of heels on the marble floors would echo and get her caught.
She slowly opened her door, grateful it didn’t creak like in the castle back home. The hallway was empty. Instead of going to the main staircase, Evelyn found a narrow set of stairs for staff at the far end of the hall. She tiptoed all the way down, then cautiously opened a door that led outside.
“That’s disgusting!” a male voice said.
Evelyn froze, the door only open a few inches.
“It’s not that bad,” another man replied.
“It’s got their spit in it!” the first man said.
What in the world?
