Page 9 of Love & Letter Charms
L for Ludicrously Concerned I Had Misunderstood,
Yes. I am aware of the sad reality that the roses do not truly speak to you. But I suspect they would have excellent opinions if they could.
Aurelise had written nothing further, settling into bed with a small smile on her lips. But barely a half hour later, the distinctive hum of the enchanted box had pulled her from the edge of sleep. Inside, she’d found a hastily scrawled note:
L,
I told myself not to ask. I promised myself I wouldn’t. But I find I cannot sleep with the question burning in my mind. Are you referring to the Bloom Season? Will you be in Bloomhaven? I know you manifested since the last Season began … Does this mean you will be debuting your magic?
Please forgive the intrusion,
R
Aurelise’s fingers had trembled as she read his words. Did this mean he would be there too? Hadn’t he claimed to live beyond the United Fae Isles? What if he was planning to travel to Bloomhaven, hoping that the two of them might … meet? The thought sent a wave of panic through her chest. And so, for the first time in their long correspondence, she had deliberately lied.
Dear R,
Your intrusion is forgiven. I could never hold your curiosity against you!
Alas, my family’s circumstances prevent us from traveling for the Season this year. Such is life. Full of disappointments both small and large.
I do hope this satisfies your midnight curiosity enough to allow you peaceful slumber.
Sleepily,
L
“There,” Marta declared with a final adjustment to one of the pins. “You’re ready, my lady.”
Aurelise turned slightly, rising with care as the silk layers of her gown whispered against the stool. For a moment, her eyes swept her reflection in the dressing table mirror. The rose-pink silk fell in graceful lines beneath the empire waist, drifting into gauzy layers that shimmered when she shifted. Gold embroidery traced tiny blossoms across the bodice, and a sash of ivory silk was fastened with a delicate rose-gold rosette.
She turned from the mirror, lifting her chin and lacing her fingers together, standing still beneath the careful scrutiny of three pairs of eyes.
“Oh, darling,” her mother breathed, her eyes misting. “You look absolutely beautiful.”
“Truly lovely,” Marta agreed with a proud smile.
Rosavyn, still sitting on the edge of the bed, tipped her head to one side. “I suppose you’ll do,” she said with mock indifference.
Aurelise smiled at her, while Lady Lelianna pressed a hand to her chest in horror. “Really, Rosavyn?—”
“I have no doubt, dearest sister,” Rosavyn said, a wide smile stretching her lips as she stood, “that you will be the loveliest creature in all of Dreamland tonight.”
Aurelise drew a deep breath that did little to ease the tightness in her chest, her smile fixed like fragile porcelain that might crack at the slightest pressure. Being the focus of attention was precisely what she dreaded most about the evening ahead. She looked around for her gloves, seeking something to do with her trembling hands.
“Aurelise, dear!” Lady Nirella’s voice called out. “Your tea is ready.”
Lady Lelianna sighed and shook her head. “I still think this is most irregular timing. I shall see what mischief is transpiring between the grandmothers. Oh, the rose water! Is it?—”
“My dressing table, I believe,” Rosavyn said.
Lady Lelianna turned to Marta. “Could you look for it please?”
“Of course, my lady.”
As her mother and Marta left the room, Rosavyn flicked her fingers, sending a gentle current of air to nudge the door closed with a soft, deliberate click. “Now,” she said, turning back to Aurelise and taking her hands, “how are youreally?—”
“Do you hate me?” The words tumbled from Aurelise’s lips before she could stop them, cutting across her sister’s question.
