Page 56 of Love & Letter Charms
He didn’t look at her, but she caught the subtle curve of his smile. “Because you, Lady Aurelise, are now one of those people.”
Chapter Fifteen
Morning light spilledthrough Aurelise’s chamber windows, transforming the room into a study of golden edges and soft shadows. She sat at her dressing table, fingers drumming softly against its polished surface as she contemplated R’s dare list, which lay before her like both an accusation and an invitation.
The music room visit the previous afternoon might have qualified as exploring somewhere new, she supposed, but ‘explore’ implied a certain independence of discovery—wandering and finding rather than being led. Besides, she’d brought back no evidence of her adventure, unless one counted the melody that still hummed beneath her skin from those precious moments at the pianoforte.
As for counting it toward dare number ten—be entirely improper—well. Prince Ryden had been quite correct that nothing truly improper had occurred. Yes, they’d been alone in a private room without proper supervision, and yes, the mere thought of being discovered in such circumstances made her cheeks warm even now. But since nothing untoward had transpired beyond conversation and music, she could hardly claim to have completed that particular challenge.
You’re making excuses to attempt more dares, Thimble’s voice sing-songed in her mind from where the tiny mouse perched on the windowsill, her purple wings catching the morning light.Admit it! You WANT to be scandalous!
“I want nothing of the sort,” Aurelise protested, though her conviction wavered as she glanced toward the door. Marta had already attended to her morning preparations and delivered a tray of breakfast before departing to see to her own affairs. The corridors beyond her chambers were still quiet, most of the Crown Court ladies choosing to luxuriate in their beds until later in the morning. And no formal gatherings had been arranged until the afternoon.
Which meant …
“I suppose,” she said slowly, rising from her seat, “that a brief exploration of the palace would be perfectly acceptable. After all, the High Lady did say we should familiarize ourselves with our surroundings.”
Spark lifted his head from where he was curled beside Thimble on the windowsill, basking in the morning sun.Oh, we’re using royal directives to justify mischief now?How delightfully hypocritical.
“It isn’t mischief,” Aurelise insisted, moving toward the door. “It’s merely … educational reconnaissance.”
Educational reconnaissance, Spark repeated flatly.Is that what we’re calling it? Very well. Lead on, my lady, in your pursuit of definitely-not-mischievous education.
The palace corridors felt different this morning, less labyrinthine and forbidding than they’d felt even just yesterday. Perhaps it was the lingering peace that had settled into her bones after playing that beautiful pianoforte the previous afternoon, or simply the restorative effects of a good night’s sleep. There was also the golden sunlight, brightening everything. It streamed through tall windows, painting patternsacross marble floors and making the portraits of long-dead nobles seem less disapproving and more merely drowsy.
A housemaid carrying fresh linens offered her a warm smile and a small curtsy as they passed, and Aurelise found herself smiling in return.
“Good morning, Mrs. Fenbridge,” she ventured, surprising herself by remembering the woman’s name from a brief introduction days earlier.
The maid’s face brightened considerably. “Good morning, Lady Rowanwood! Lovely day for a wander, isn’t it?”
Aurelise’s usual shyness melted slightly under the maid’s warm greeting. “It is indeed,” she replied, gesturing to her companions. “And I’m most grateful for my little guides. I would be thoroughly lost without them.”
The maid laughed. “Not to worry. You’ll know your way blindfolded by Season’s end, my lady.”
They turned into another corridor and came upon a chaotic scene—four magical companions engaged in what appeared to be a fierce battle over a collection of ribbons. A jewel-toned butterfly, two squirrels and a phoenix. They darted and lunged at each other while two lady’s maids stood on opposite sides of the hallway, arms folded and expressions tight with irritation, though neither made any move to intervene.
Aurelise hesitated, wondering if she should help somehow.
Don’t bother, Spark muttered.Those belong to Lady Ellowa and Lady Floravine. Their companions are always at each other’s throats.
It’s not really the poor things’ fault, Thimble added with uncharacteristic solemnity.Their ladies are always pitting them against each other, making everything a competition.
Spark huffed out another cloud of glittery smoke.I don’t blame them for fighting, honestly. When your lady constantlydemands to see whose companions will ‘win’ at every little task …
“What?” Aurelise whispered, shocked, as they passed the skirmish and turned into a new corridor. She was about to ask more about this disturbing revelation when a flurry of yellow darted toward her.
She stepped hastily sideways as a lemon-yellow mouse with dragon wings zipped past, carrying what appeared to be a stolen scone in its tiny paws.
UNCLE DANDELION!Thimble shrieked with delight, launching herself into the air.Uncle Dandy, wait!
The yellow mouse paused mid-flight, hovering with visible reluctance.Thimble, darling, lovely to see you, can’t stop, very busy, important business, you understand.
You’re stealing scones again!
Borrowing! Borrowing with intent to consume! Completely different thing!Uncle Dandelion executed a complicated aerial maneuver to avoid a passing servant.Give my regards to Sparkle!
DON’T CALL ME—Spark’s roar of indignation was cut short as Uncle Dandy disappeared around a corner, leaving a few crumbs falling to the floor in his wake.
