Page 30 of Love & Letter Charms
“And I must emphasize,” she added as she accepted a delicate porcelain cup from the attendant, “that these companions are notpets. They are to be treated with the same respect and kindness you would show to any in your service.”
Murmurs of understanding rippled through the circle of ladies, heads nodding in assent as they exchanged curious glances, clearly wondering what manner of magical companions might await them.
The High Lady lifted her cup in a subtle gesture that encompassed them all. “Now then, shall we become better acquainted? Lady Coravelle, how is your grandmother?”
The conversation continued around Aurelise. Discussions of the upcoming social calendar, the various amenities available tothem at Solstice Hall, the protocol for meals and gatherings. She participated when directly addressed but otherwise let the words wash over her. She could feel exhaustion creeping through her bones, that particular weariness that came from extended social performance.
By the time the tea concluded with the High Lady rising from her seat and declaring that they should all take the remainder of the afternoon to rest and settle into their suites, Aurelise’s shoulders ached with tension, and a dull throbbing had begun behind her eyes.
She followed a steward through a bewildering series of corridors, trying desperately to commit the route to memory. But the details blurred together, her mind too occupied with maintaining her composure as faint music threatened to escape her control.
The steward finally paused before a door, opening it with a formal bow. “Your suite, Lady Rowanwood. Your belongings have been arranged, and your lady’s maid will arrive later to assist you in preparing for dinner. Should you require anything before then, simply pull the bell-cord by the bedside.”
Aurelise stepped inside and nearly gasped aloud. The room was easily three times the size of her bedchamber at Rowanwood House, which itself was generously proportioned. Walls of pale pink provided a backdrop for furnishings of warm wood and gold detailing. A massive four-poster bed dominated one wall, while tall, arched windows offered a view of the palace gardens, currently aglow with late afternoon sunshine.
A sitting area with elegant chaises, upholstered chairs, and a scattering of small tables occupied one corner, while a dressing area with a mirrored vanity and armoire filled another. The plant her grandmother had gifted her to remind her of home—an oversized porcelain teacup that held trailing vines whose leavesshimmered faintly with hints of gold—sat on a table at the center of the seating arrangement.
Curious, Aurelise moved toward a second doorway on the far side of the room, peering through it to discover a separate bathing chamber that drew a soft, involuntary gasp from her lips. Unlike the screened corner tubs common in even the finest fae homes across the Isles, this was an entire room dedicated to bathing luxury.
A gleaming copper tub stood in the center, perched atop a bed of ever-warm stones, which would heat the bathing water to the perfect temperature when the correct enchantment was applied. Around the tub, potted ferns and flowers created a garden-like atmosphere, their subtle perfume mingling with the scents emanating from a glass-fronted cabinet where dozens of crystal bottles sparkled.
“Is there anything else you require, my lady?” The steward’s voice startled Aurelise from her reverie, reminding her that he still stood attentively in the doorway.
She turned back to him. “No, thank you.”
The moment the door closed, Aurelise crossed the room and collapsed onto the nearest chaise, her legs suddenly unable to support her. Blessed silence enveloped her. Stars, how was she to survive an entire Season of this? It was exhausting.
A faint rustle caught her attention. Her eyes flew open, her gaze darting around the room until it landed on the source—her dressing table, where her personal items had been neatly arranged. Including the enchanted wooden box.
Before she could process this, a flash of pink darted across her field of vision, followed by a shimmer of emerald green.
SHE’S HERE! SHE’S HERE! Oh, look at her, Spark! Isn’t she BEAUTIFUL?The high, bell-like voice seemed to speak directly inside Aurelise’s mind as a small pink mouse with dragon-like wings of iridescent purple zipped through the air, performingexcited loops around her head.I just knew she would be! The most BEAUTIFUL lady in the entire Crown Court!
Aurelise flinched backward, pressing herself against the chaise cushions. “I—what—who are?—”
Do cease your aerial acrobatics, Thimble. You’re going to make the poor girl dizzy.A second voice—dry, resigned, and distinctly masculine sounding—filled Aurelise’s head as a tiny emerald-green dragon, no larger than a teacup, swept down to perch on the table in front of her. Small puffs of glittery smoke escaped his nostrils as he regarded her.
Lady Aurelise Rowanwood, I presume. I am Spark, and that whirling pink catastrophe is my cousin, Thimble, who will likely require smelling salts before the hour is out if she does not moderate her enthusiasm. We are your assigned palace companions.
Aurelise’s mind caught on the word ‘cousin,’ then decided not to ask how that was possible. “Oh, hello,” she said hesitantly, relaxing slightly. “It’s … lovely to meet you?” She hadn’t meant for it to sound like a question, but really, how was one expected to respond when introduced to a telepathic flying mouse and a dragon whose deep baritone belonged to someone at least ten times his size?
We’re going to be the BEST of friends!Thimble exclaimed, finally settling on the chaise arm, her tiny paws clasped together in delight, wings still fluttering.And we’re going to help you win the prince’s heart and become the most beloved princess the United Fae Isles has ever had!
“Oh,” Aurelise managed, “that’s very kind of you, but I don’t actually?—”
We’ve already begun our preparations, Spark interrupted, his golden eyes narrowing.I’ve conducted a thorough assessment of your wardrobe. Serviceable, if uninspiring. We’ll need to make strategic adjustments before dinner.
Dinner!Thimble squeaked, launching herself back into the air.The first real chance to make an impression! Your hair would look splendid with those sapphire pins arranged in a cascade pattern. The prince simply LOVES sapphires, everyone knows that. And perhaps the rose-gold silk for your first evening?
Sapphires with rose-gold?Spark huffed.Perish the thought! The two would clash abominably.
“Please,” Aurelise tried again. “Before you devote too much energy to the endeavor, you should know that I have no desire to win the prince’s affections.”
Profound mental silence followed this statement. Thimble froze mid-flight before dropping onto the table. Spark blinked his golden eyes, apparently stunned speechless.
I beg your pardon?Thimble’s voice was barely a whisper in Aurelise’s mind.
Aurelise shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t want to be chosen as his princess. I don’t even …” She looked around, then lowered her voice, as if the prince himself might somehow be listening in. “I don’t even like him.”
