Page 20

Magic to Heal and to Wound

She reaches the end of the row and spots another artifact somewhat hidden in shadow.

Pulling it into the light, she finds a crystal figurine. A toadstool mushroom.

Carefully, she takes it off the shelf and holds it up before her. The light catches its many facets, sending little shoots of rainbows over the shelves.

It’s not unlike the crystal cat currently resting in her pocket. The only keepsake she arrived with as a child when she was given to Delphine and the only item she was allowed to keep.

“It’s a memory.”

Cleo yelps and spins around. The crystal mushroom spills from her grip and sails toward the marble floor.

A hand scoops it easily from the air.

Cleo sucks in a breath, and then she looks up, and her jaw drops.

A few years ago, the Wizard of Oz made a rare appearance at the East Castle. He arrived unannounced, but being the Wizard, he did not use the front door. He just appeared in the breakfast room like he had every right to be there.

Delphine was just complaining about the pancakes Cleo had made. They weren’t fluffy enough or hot enough or crunchy enough around the edges. The syrup wasn’t the right color or consistency.

“Can you not do anything right?” Delphine asked, shoveling a forkful of pancake into her mouth.

And then … POP.

There he was.

The Wizard of Oz.

Delphine choked on the mouthful. Bits of pancake rained down, speckling her plate. She grabbed her cup of tea and took a large gulp of it only to hiss at the burn.

Apparently, the tea was hot enough.

The Wizard, for his part, stood there, arms clasped behind his back, waiting.

“Your Eminence!” Delphine shouted and then lurched to her feet. Her knee hit the table and what remained of the cutlery rattled against the ceramic tableware. Her small goblet of brandy teetered on its flat bottom, several bright red drops spilling over and staining the ivory silk tablecloth.

“Hello, Delphine,” he said. “You’re looking lovely this morning.”

Cleo had to bury a snort. Delphine’s hair was still twisted up in curlers and there was a spot of acne salve dotting her forehead and a glistening dribble of syrup on her chin.

Seeing Delphine on her back foot in front of the Wizard sent a little thrill through Cleo’s veins. But when all was said and done, Delphine would find a way to blame this all on Cleo.

Right then, she was going to enjoy it, though.

“I’m sorry to drop in without forewarning,” he went on, “but I wondered if you might spare me a moment of your time.”

“Of course.” Delphine smiled and yanked the cloth napkin out of her waistband, discreetly dropping it on the floor. “Cleo, get out.”

The Wizard turned to her, as if he just realized she was standing there.

All the air seemed to leave the room.

Cleo had heard all the stories and the rumors. Most people reported being unable to even look at the Wizard, let alone meet his eyes. Despite this, everyone said he was handsome. Whether that was literal or just illusion, Cleo could never figure out.

But when his attention was on her in Delphine’s breakfast room, it felt like the sun had finally broken through the dark clouds and warmed her, driving away the constant chill. It was like her skin sighed.

She was used to being speechless, but she couldn’t have said a word even if she tried.