“They think I’m trying to … That you and I … That’s ridiculous.”
“Is it?” he said, smiling, but there was a shadow in it. “I’m sure you would love to correct their false impressions, but please restrain yourself, my dear. At least until we have spoken to the Pontiff.”
“Is he here yet?”
“I have not seen him.” Patrick scanned the room.
“I don’t understand these people,” I whispered. “They are all fighting each other, openly or behind closed doors—the Pontiff, the nobles, the king. Even you. And yet they all gather together for … what? Wine and dancing?”
“And cards, don’t forget the cards,” said Patrick lightly.
“How can you all … make small talk and act like nothing is happening?”
“My dear, that is just how the wealthy are. They are quite happy to stand in a room with their mortal enemies and glare at each other, so long as there are canapés.”
He steered me towards a long table and ladled punch into two glass cups with a silver spoon. “Drink.”
“What is it?”
“Just fruit, I promise.”
The punch was sweet and icy, and cooled the flush in my cheeks. I gulped it down. Baldbeak swooped down to snap at a miniature meat pie, enjoying how much attention he was attracting.
“It would be easier without you here,” I told him. “You’re making everyone stare.”
“You think he’s the only reason they’re staring?” said Patrick with some amusement.
“Why else would they be?”
He laughed a little, sipping his drink. “I can’t imagine.”
“You’re laughing at me.”
“Only a little, and in the nicest possible way, I assure you. You do look lovely, although I know you don’t like me pointing it out.”
“I told you to behave normally.”
“Would you like me to do some magic tricks?”
“Believe it or not, that might be a comfort.” I accepted a glass of wine from a passing servant. The Hair rustled a little on my head, and I put up a warning hand to still it. Baldbeak, ignoring my earlier instructions, flew to my shoulder and tugged on a strand. His claws rasped against the velvet on my shoulder, and I hoped he wasn’t tearing it.
“You’re trembling.” Patrick took my elbow.
“It’s a lot of people.”
“You know, when I was a boy, I found affairs like this terrifying.”
“And what was your secret?”
“To dress exceptionally well.”
“Really? That’s it?”
“If it helps, you can picture them all in their smallclothes.”
My gaze drifted over the room and then back to Patrick, where it lingered. My cheeks flamed.
“That doesn’t helpat all.” I downed my second glass.
