“No, I said “near perfection.” It’s good to share that something is wrong. However, it must be some minor point that’s only meant to give the illusion of honesty and intimacy.” She glanced around the room, as if the answer would be written on the tapestries. “Such as having too many suitors. You can share that kind of issue because it’s not really a problem, you see?”
I sighed. How much did I wish I could cast some spells and just break into the gallery? Quite a lot. But the Havilland family’s Fantomes would swarm me in a heartbeat. “Right. Their property, their rules. I must impress them with my wit and beauty.” I held in a groan. “You realize this is ludicrous, don’t you?”
Amelia grinned yet again. “Welcome to courtly life. Why do you think I enjoy hiding out in this mansion? Once you step onto the game board, you can never stop playing. Not to a friend or a lover. Not even to your own family. No matter what, perception is reality. That’s what I taught Veronique, and it’s what I’ll teach you.”
I eyed her carefully for a long moment. Veronique was selfish and shrewd while Amelia was open and bubbling with energy. “I don’t understand how you two became friends.”
Amelia picked up her wine goblet once more. “Veronique has a good heart under that selfish veneer. We helped each other when we were both ready to give up. Do you know what that means when two people go through fire together?”
I thought about fighting the Tsar with Rowan. “I understand.” I leaned back in my chair and took stock of the situation. Amelia was trying so hard to help me, and I wasn’t the most appreciative guest. “I’ve never said thank you for all your aid. It really is kind of you to put yourself at risk for me.”
“Kindness has nothing to do with it. I had only one honest friend in the entire world, and that was Veronique. The Vicomte took her from me simply because he could. Not to mention his other crimes.” A steely look shone in Amelia’s eyes. “I’ll do anything to bring that bastard down.”
My brows lifted. This harder side of Amelia was something to see. “Well, then. I’m glad you’re not my enemy.”
“We all cast magick in our own ways, Elea.”
“So we do.”
Footsteps sounded from behind us. Amelia’s face lit up. “Philippe!”
Amelia’s brother was exactly as she’d described him: tall and dashing with golden hair, intelligent blue eyes, and a white-toothed smile. I couldn’t help but like him instantly, and that was an impressive feat, considering all the stories I’d heard. Amelia seemed to think I’d quickly fall for his courtly charms, so she’d told me what a womanizer and all-around rogue he was.
Philippe kissed his sister lightly on each cheek. I noticed how he wore a black velvet longcoat decorated with bright silver buttons. Plus, his leather shoes were so shiny I might see my face in them. He was a courtly animal indeed.
As Philippe strode closer, it felt like the very air around him vibrated with his presence. There were some people who exude energy and life. Philippe was one of them. Trouble was, he knew it. After pausing at my side, he bowed slightly at the waist. “You must be the lovely Elea. Amelia’s told me all about you.”
I rose and gave him a quick curtsey, just like Amelia had taught me. “And she’s warned me about you.”
“Has she?” Philippe rubbed his chin. The motion highlighted how he had the classic bone structure of an aristocrat—all high cheekbones and sharp jawline. “You’re quite charming, Elea. You know that?”
“In more ways than one.” I knew quite a few killing charms, but I decided not to volunteer that fact.
“Well done, sister.” Philippe slipped into the seat beside me and drummed his long fingers on the shiny wooden table. “This new friend of yours is very clever.”
Amelia folded her arms over her chest. “Well, what do you think?” The question came out like I wasn’t even in the room. “Does she look like a lady?”
I sat up straighter in my chair. Clearly, this was a test to see if I was ready for a visit to the Havilland family. I forced on my most vacuous smile. “Do I?”
Philippe eyed me carefully. “You dress the part, but acting it? You’re not a lady in the least, I’m afraid.”
I bit back a growl. This was beyond frustrating.
Amelia smiled brightly. “Why don’t we take a break?”
Philippe pulled up a chair next to our little table. “Don’t mind if I do.”
A flapping sounded from the rafters of the building. Philippe groaned. “I told you to get more servants. Another bird has gotten in.”
Amelia didn’t even look up from her cup of wine. “They fly around all the time. I don’t mind it so much. Gives the house a sense of life.”
Philippe’s eyes narrowed. “I should bring my bow and quiver in here. Get some practice.”
“You’re a barbarian, Brother.”
The bird swooped down from the eaves and out the open window. It was red with green eyes. My body froze.
That’s Tamu. Rowan’s bird.
The animal perched on a fir tree just outside the window. It stared at me, fluffed its wings, and chirped. There was no question. It wanted me to follow it.
“Excuse me,” I said. “I’d like to spend the rest of my break by taking a short walk.”
Amelia frowned. “Come back soon?”
I rose. “You can count on it.” Turning on my heel, I marched off to follow the bird, wherever it might lead me.
Chapter Six