Page 47 of Love & Letter Charms
Completion of each task will result in excessive self-discovery, unanticipated confidence, and my eternal admiration.
Signed,
R — Architect of Questionable Ideas and Occasional Triumphs
P.S. No gossip birds were harmed in the making of this list, though one did call it ‘boldly optimistic.’
P.P.S. Before you begin composing a thousand excuses as to why you cannot possibly complete this list (I see you eyeing dare number six), allow me to save you the trouble: it is far too late. You’ve already agreed, and as such, I am taking you at your word. Yes, I am perfectly aware that these dares range from mildly improper to utterly indefensible. Nevertheless, I have every confidence you will find a way.
P.P.P.S. If, however, any of these prove truly distressing, you are not required to complete them. In truth, you are not required to complete ANY of them. But I suspect, deep down, that there is a very small, very curious part of you that rather wants to.
“No,” Aurelise said aloud to the silence of her bed chamber. “Absolutely not.”
She paced the length of her suite, R’s latest letter crumpled slightly in one hand. The timebloom she’d brought from home sat on her bedside table, its petals shifting from lavender toward silver, indicating that it was close to midnight. She should have been asleep already, but after a day spent resting from the previous night’s Crown Court Ball, she was nowhere near tired. Instead, she found herself wearing a path in the plush carpet, her bare feet silent against its softness, her nightgown swishing with each agitated turn.
A dare list. He had sent her adare list.
She stopped, smoothed the paper against her palm, and read it again, though she’d already memorized every outrageous suggestion:
Stargaze from a roof.
Well, that seemed harmless enough, if rather impractical. Why did it have to be from aroof, of all places? And how was she to manage such a thing—both physically and without being discovered and sent home in disgrace?
Explore somewhere new and bring back evidence.
Vague, but manageable perhaps.
Flirt with someone.
Her cheeks heated at the mere thought. She could barely manage ordinary conversation without stammering. How was she meant toflirt?
Smoke driftshade leaf.
“Absolutely not,” she muttered again, her voice rising slightly in indignation. Driftshade leaf was what rakish gentlemen smoked in enchanted gaming parlors where illusionary dice rolled and fortunes unraveled at the turn of a card. Or so she had been told. The very idea of a lady partaking in such an activity was beyond scandalous.
Kiss someone.
The paper trembled in her hands. Kiss someone?Kiss someone?Had R taken complete leave of his senses?
“Of course I cannot do these things!” she exclaimed to the empty room. “The sheer impropriety of even suggesting?—”
OH MY STARS, WHAT IS HAPPENING?Thimble’s voice burst into her mind as the tiny pink mouse zoomed into the air from somewhere behind her.Lady Aurelise, why are you SHOUTING? Is there danger? Should I alert the palace guards?
“I—you—when did you come in?” Aurelise stammered, instinctively pressing the letter to her chest.
I’ve been napping in your slipper, Thimble admitted cheerfully.It’s perfect for curling up in. So cozy!
Spark’s grumpy head appeared over the arm of one of the chairs in the sitting area, his amber eyes narrowed with sleep.Some of us were trying to get a moment’s peace, he growled, a wisp of smoke curling from his nostrils.
“Oh, you’re—also here.”
Thimble’s sister snores like a hibernating troll, Spark explained dryly.She couldn’t sleep, but was too frightened to navigate the palace’s secret corridors alone at night. So naturally, she woke me.He flicked his tail and added with a knowing glance,I’d have thought you’d notice us come in, but you seemed rather … preoccupied. Lying atop your bed, eyes fixed on that curious wooden box you were all but snuggling.
“I was notsnugglingthe?—”
What is that?Thimble zipped closer, her tiny eyes bright with curiosity.Is that a LETTER? At this hour? How deliciously improper!
“It’s nothing,” Aurelise said hastily, attempting to fold the paper as she made to move toward her dressing table, but Thimble was already hovering directly in front of her face, wings beating frantically.
