Jax clears his throat. “Yes, I can see you’re doing a great job pretending.”
I pull him behind a giant standing floral arrangement. “Princess Rose is always talking about power being in the hands of the people, not the royal court. It’s sort of empowering, you know? Why should the princesses get to decide what happens in the village? They don’t live there. We know better what rules need to be made for ourselves.”
Jax raises his right eyebrow. “How much pink fruit punch have you had at these meetings? Like Wolfington always says, kingdoms need a leader to guide them and that’s what the princesses in the royal court do. They’ve faced evil and know how to fight it. Alva won’t give the people power. All she cares about is her vendetta.”
“If the royal court cared about us, they’d protect FTRS, but they’re not,” I point out. “At least Alva is offering people protection!” I clap a hand over my mouth and sit down again. “Maybe I have drunk too much pink fruit punch.”
“It’s the rose scent in here.” Jax wrinkles his nose. “It’s overpowering. Let’s get you outside for some fresh air.”
I shake my head. “Princess Rose will be here any moment. I can’t leave.”
Jax sighs. “We need your help. The mole has gotten to the ogres. What’s Alva going to find out next? If someone keeps feeding her information, she’s going to learn FTRS is protected by Rumpel and then she’ll try to squash that deal too. We’re running out of time.”
“That’s why I’m here,” I say. “To find out who the mole is. They’re always talking about the manifesto in this club. Someone has to know the mole.” I glance at Olivia. “Olivia! Rose wants pink swan napkins, not knots!”
Jax doesn’t look convinced. “Is that why you didn’t tell us what you were up to?” I’m quiet. “I miss my partner in crime.” I blush. “Doing dirty work is not the same without your help, thief. Why’d you keep this club a secret?”
“I…I don’t know why I didn’t tell you,” I say, and Jax stares me down. “Fine! I didn’t tell you because I thought I could find the mole on my own, okay?” He makes a face. “But now that I’m here, it’s not as awful as I thought it would be.” I feel my face grow hot. I can’t believe I just sort of said I like the RLWs. I have drunk too much pink punch!
Jax is quiet. “This doesn’t sound like the thief I know. Neither does the conversation Jocelyn says she and Maxine overheard between you and Olivia.”
My face burns. I can’t believe Jax knows what I said. I’m mortified but also angry. Now my friends—some former, I guess—are talking about me behind my back? “Princess Rose requested me specifically,” I say heatedly. “I can’t help it if I’m the only new pick they made this term. Princess Rose thinks I have real leader potential. Who knows what I can accomplish if I follow her lead? If she likes Father’s work as much as she says she does, maybe she’ll let Cobbler Shoes even expand to new kingdoms,” I say wistfully. “My family could have vacation boots to live in! For so long I’ve been judged for doing the wrong thing. Can I help it if I like the attention that comes from doing something right?”
Jax puts a hand on my shoulder and I notice the other girls watching us. “Thief, Princess Rose only helps herself. Rapunzel told Father that Rose hasn’t been at one princess meeting this week about the ogres. She claims she’s too busy here, and yet we all see her in HEAS scrolls getting her hair done at Rapunzel’s Coiffures and having tea with Little Bo Peep. I don’t know what’s going on with her lately, but watch yourself. Your true friends would never turn their backs on you.” He pauses. “And the old you would never turn your back on them either.”
“Good morning, ladies!” Princess Rose waltzes into the room in a bright-pink gown and a giant tiara. She spots me with Jax and falters. “I see we have a visitor.”
Jax bows again. “Princess, it’s an honor to be in your presence.” The RLWs erupt into giggles that can’t be hidden behind handkerchiefs. “Excuse the interruption. I was looking for Miss Gillian.”
The princess actually blushes. “Such manners! Ladies, this is a young man who knows how to be an RLW, not that we have any young men in the club.”
“Why is that, Your Highness?” Jax asks, and I can tell he’s up to no good. “A young man can be just as accommodating to a princess as a young maiden. Maybe even more so. We could be of use when strength is needed, like now when you are carrying such a large box.” He walks over and takes it from her.
“I’ve never considered a male RLW, but you make a valid point,” Rose says as he places the box on a table. “Thank you for bringing the matter to my attention, Mr…?”
“Mr. Jax Porter.” He bows again and a few girls sigh.