Page 73 of The Artist and the Dragon

“It’s possible they might not even know that it’s afflicted, or what the spell is meant to do,” Bronwyn added. He couldn’t help but feel the words were meant for herself as well, perhaps some wish that Charlotte hadn’t known exactly what she was doing when she gave a bespelled object to that kitchen boy.Ifshe had.

“That does present a quandary. Your little papers”—she gestured to Bronwyn—“could they find it? If it’s still here, that is?”

“I believe so,” Malik said.

“Good.” Wynni gave a stiff nod. “Then we search the place. Leave nothing unchecked.”

A plan he’d already considered. “We need to find a way to do it without arousing suspicion. If the dragons believe we know, they may abandon their plans, and we’ll be worse off than we were.”

“Hmm, yes, that rules you two out, then.” Wynni waved at them. “A prince and princess meandering about the opera house all night?” She snorted.

“I agree. Unless we were sure everyone was in their dormitories or out for the night, it would be impossible. Even then, we’d likely miss something in this maze of a place.”

Wynni tsked. “There’s no need to beat around the bush. I’ll do it. It ismyopera house. Who knows it better than me? Tell me what to look for, and I’ll let you know what I find. Then you can inspect it more closely on the morrow.”

“Thank you, Wynni,” Bronwyn said. “Really. This means so much.”

“Of course, of course.”

“I know you don’t like to think that your people could be up to no good—”

“Let me stop you right there,” she interrupted, her features softening. “You’re my people, too.” Her gaze turned unusually affectionate as she looked from Bronwyn to Malik and back again. “I have a thing for taking in strays in need of belonging, even royal ones. Though I do wish I could teach him to be a little bit more forthcoming oncertaintopics.” Wynni glanced at Malik askance.

He raised his hands in defense. “What did I do this time? We’ve told you all the important things.”

“It should be good practice for you coming clean to others, then.”

He nearly groaned. Wynni. Back at it again. Not even a threat on her beloved opera house could stop her from playing matchmaker.

“He does like to hide things,” Bronwyn grumbled.

Wynni froze. Blinked. Turned to Bronwyn, her lips parted. Then, all at once, she beamed. “You weren’t joking the other day, were you, Malik?” She almost leapt from her chair with glee. “Oh, you rogue!”

“Joking about what?” Bronwyn pinned him with a stare sharp as any dagger.

Goddess, these women would be the death of him.

“Do let us know what you find.” Malik rose, dusting off his pants though they weren’t dirty.

“Malik…” Bronwyn warned.

“Oh, you’ve become quite personal with him now, too,” Wynni crooned, her usual humor returning to her voice.

“I… That is…”

“Come along now,darling,” Malik drawled as he headed for the door. “Don’t want to keep the carriage waiting any longer.”

“Malik!” Bronwyn squeaked and leapt to her feet, her cheeks bright red.

He laughed to himself, smiling honestly for the first time all day as he turned to leave the office. The fuming beauty hurried after him.

Chapter 31

Malik

Malikarrivedatthepremiere ofWonderlandfashionably early. Or, that was what he hoped people thought. He’d gone straight away to offer his congratulations to Wynnifred on what promised to be another memorable show … and to check on their plans.

It was far worse than Malik had expected. During her investigation, Wynni had found what proved to be either dark magic spells or light magic ones tainted by darkness. Whatever the case, it was enough for his detection spell to find them. Most of the spells identified were on set pieces—notably, a large castle for a scene near the middle of the opera. Another, more disturbing discovery was a bespelled ribbon laced through the chain of the grand chandelier hanging over the main section of the audience. If it snapped and fell during the show, the results would be deadly many times over.

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