Page 68 of The Mirror and the Curse

Race Week thus far had been as noisy, crowded, and hectic as usual, yet the overall ambience was the brightest and most positive Eddi could recall. The new viewing screens were an enormous hit, and the announcers’ bright, cheery, informative patter added an almost breathless allure to the entire event.

Eddi’s pavilion was luxurious, even opulent regarding creature comforts for her and White, and it boasted standard magical conveniences such as indoor plumbing, air conditioning, and food that appeared at need, even at request. But regarding the magical protection Geoff had promised, Eddi could only wonder. Magical alarms could be prepped to drop boiling oil or venomous snakes on any intruder, for all she knew.

Just past noon, while she relaxed inside her chamber during one of the races, King Koldo and Queen Jakinda dropped by to wish her luck. Delighted, Eddi stepped back and beckoned. “Come in, please. I can serve you fine champagne and pastries, courtesy of my pavilion’s magic.”

“Thank you. I hope we’re not disturbing you,” Jakinda said as they entered, her tone tentative. “Is this a good time? Zorion is napping, and Lolly said we might as well head down here early and enjoy the festival.”

“Lolly’s the best nanny ever,” Eddi observed. “This is a great time. I’m just kicking back, and good conversation will help the time pass.” And hopefully reduce her fretting. “Isn’t this place amazing?”

They both gazed wide-eyed at the pavilion’s interior. “And here I imagined you camping out,” Jakinda admitted with a chuckle. “This is seriously high-end magic.”

Eddi grinned back. “I thought it was nice last year, but this is really over the top.” She directed them toward the small glass-topped table, which now held exactly the refreshments she’d mentioned. “Please help yourselves. I’m never hungry before a race, but if you would like anything else, just ask. I suspect there are limits on quantity, and it won’t supply anything unless I genuinely want it. Magic is . . . kind of scary weird sometimes.”

“Honestly, I’ve never seen magic like this before,” Jakinda observed, nibbling at a flaky croissant. “Either a whole team of enchanters is involved here, or a few seriously powerful ones.”

“Or a whole crew of all different levels,” Eddi noted. “But I know there are some high-level enchanters around here. Aside from the Gamekeeper, I mean.”

“If such a person exists,” her dad remarked with a flick of one brow.

“Oh, he does. I mean, I’ve never seen him, but friends of mine know him personally.” It might be a stretch to call Geoff a friend, but Kammy certainly counted.

When the king’s brows lowered and his mouth opened, Jakinda spoke quickly. “One of our horses is in the next race.”

“That’s right! I’d forgotten. Which one did you enter, Dad?”

The king answered, “A filly I bought a month or two back. She’s promising, but I don’t have high expectations. We’re really here to see you fly.” His gaze flicked toward the corner of the pavilion where White waited, alert yet relaxed, his wings crossed over his back. “Your horse looks great.”

“He is magnificent,” Jakinda added, eyes wide. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen muscle definition like that on a horse before. And he must be blinding in the sunlight.”

“He is,” Eddi admitted. “If helmet visors didn’t protect riders from the glare, White’s hide would be a secret weapon.”

Jakinda laughed, and King Koldo said, “You’ll do well today, Eddi. Do you need help preparing for your race?”

“I’m set. It’s not that complicated, really. A summer staffer is assigned to help me mount up, but everything else is pretty basic. I suit myself up all the time, and White will do anything I ask. He’s excited about this race. Ready to win.”

The king studied her horse, eyes squinting in thought. “They usually do sense something in the air, and he’s been through one major race. Hope he doesn’t fold on you again this time.”

“He won’t, Dad.” Eddi smiled instead of reacting to the doubt.

“Well, we’ll be cheering you on from the stands.” After patting his lips and beard with a fine serviette, the king pushed away from the little table and stepped around to kiss Eddi’s cheek. “I’m proud of all you’ve accomplished with that horse this past year.” He took her hand and squeezed it.

Eddi scarcely knew how to react. “Thanks, Dad,” was the best she could do, squeezing back.

Jakinda observed their interaction with a pleased smile and gave Eddi a surreptitious wink.

Hmm. How much of her father’s supportive behavior might be due to Jakinda’s influence? Maybe having a stepmother wasn’t so bad. Guilt pinched as she remembered suspecting Jakinda of cursing White’s ribbons at the Stakes race. How childish was that?

With this thought in mind, she hugged them both, and as they stepped outside into bright sunlight, she said, “See you in the winner’s circle.”

Her father gave her a grin and a nod. “Fly safe.”

“We’ll be cheering for you, Eddi!” Jakinda called back.

Eddi watched them walk down the aisle toward the seating area where other royals had gathered. Somehow, they no longer looked mismatched to her despite the height difference.

Turning inside to smile at White, Eddi had just opened her mouth to comment when a voice called, “Your Highness, may I come in? I’m your assistant.”

“Oh. Sure.” Eddi pushed the flap open again to see a red-faced girl near her age. “I recognize you from around the stables. Annette, right?” One of the more helpful staffers.

---