Page 10 of The Artist and the Dragon

“Chin up.” Wynni made a motion with her fan. “The nobility love to gossip. Goddess knows I’m more than familiar with that. Someone will slip up and reveal themselves eventually.”

“You’re right, of course.” Bronwyn pasted on a fake smile, one she’d used too often recently.

Wynni had been raised amongst the nobility, though her family did not have the power to wield magic as some did. From an early age, she’d had a great love of theater and music, two things her family found below their noble standing, especially for their heir apparent. As soon as she was able, she’d struck out on her own to follow her heart in more ways than one, changing her gender and shucking her family name to pursue the arts. She’d confided it was the scandal of the season—actually, two seasons—among the nobility, but she had used their gossip to make a name for herself. What was meant to harm her, she’d turned to good.

“Speaking of gossip.” A sly grin crossed her painted lips. “I saw you at the wedding with a certain handsome prince.”

Bronwyn’s cheeks flamed. “Obligation only, I assure you.”

“Are you sure?”

“Completely.”

She sighed. “It’s too bad. You two look lovely together. I thought our dear Malik had finally found a woman worthy of him.”

Laughter bubbled out before Bronwyn could stop it. “He has no trouble finding women. Surely, you know that. They were practically sitting in his lap during the wedding.”

“He cares for you, you know.” All humor had fled from her features; even her voice was solemn.

“Wynni…”

She huffed. “I know. I know. We’ve had this conversation before. But you can’t take everything that one does for what it looks like on its surface.”

Bronwyn’s nose twitched. “Can’t I? Every lady who received his smile certainly did. There was no lack of attention from the men, either. If he cared for me, he’d have said something by now. He’s had the opportunity. Several of them. I haven’t even seen him since the wedding.”

“He came here asking about you the next day.”

That revelation had her rocking back on the stool.

Wynni’s gaze turned thoughtful. “And the next.”

Bronwyn’s throat went dry. “No one mentioned…”

She shrugged. “He only asked if you were in, which you were not. I assumed he found you, since he didn’t return after that. In fact”—Wynni tapped her fan against her chin—“he hasn’t attended one of my performances in weeks. I may have to demote him from favorite patron. I might have promoted my former assistant, as she has given me the most brilliant story ideas, but note I saidformer.” She tsked, shaking her head. “Off and left me. Gone to visit some dear friends out of the country and doesn’t know when she’ll be back.”

When they’d arrived in winter, Wynni had a most interesting assistant. Between her teal hair and way she looked at people—as if she could see into their very souls—Chesa had been unique. A perfect fit for the Grand Opera, really.

“It is a shame she left,” Bronwyn said. She’d almost liked the woman despite her quirks. She was a curiosity, someone who didn’t conform to society, and Bronwyn found a kinship in that.

“I know. Leave me,” Wynni sighed. “Can you imagine? A foolish decision. Hopefully, she’ll miss me so much she’ll return with all haste. This newest opera is her idea, you know. Couldn’t even stay for its opening. I’m going to need more of her ideas for future seasons. We have a reputation to maintain, after all.”

The teasing notes in her voice had Bronwyn’s lips quirking up despite the sudden ache in her heart. Wynni, always thinking about her business. Speaking of… “I’ll come back tomorrow to finish this up.” She waved at the poster. “I’ll do a simpler one, too, for distribution.”

“You really should let me pay you.”

Bronwyn shook her head. “I’m happy just to have my work appreciated.” Drystan had gifted her family more money than they needed before he’d returned to the capital to claim his throne. And now, as an extension of the royal family, she didn’t have to worry about coin to support herself or those she loved. It felt wrong to take anything from Wynni, who could use it to further her business.

Wynni gave a dramatic sigh. “Well, sign your name larger this time. I’m determined for people to see the work and know it’s yours. Which reminds me. I might have done a little something I hope you’ll forgive.” Her face glowed with mischievous excitement.

Bronwyn’s stomach sank. She grabbed hold of the stool beneath her for fear she might fall right off it. “You didn’t. Please tell me you didn’t.”

“Oh, but I did.” Wynni beamed. “Those pieces you did were too gorgeous to sit in storage, unseen and unappreciated. Now all of Castamar can enjoy them as part of the new collection opening at the Talia Gallery. Isn’t that grand?” She cackled, clearly pleased with herself.

Bronwyn, however, felt like she might vomit on her shoes. Her artwork, displayed like masterpieces for all to see? It was supposed to be her dream, so why did it feel so horrifying?

“Oh, gracious, darling, don’t look so worried. I have no doubt they’ll sell. You can thank me when you’re famous.”

“Sell?” Bronwyn nearly choked on the word.

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