I strode through the forest behind Amelia’s mansion. Rowan’s bird flitted from branch to branch, guiding me along a thin path through the fir trees. My heart thumped harder at the thought of seeing Rowan again. There was only one problem, though.
Philippe was following me.
Clearly, Philippe was a master at courtly conversation. But creeping silently through the forest? Not exactly one of his skills. As I walked along, I thought of ways to get him to abandon me.
The only good thing? I didn’t need to follow courtly rules while I did it.
The bird led me deeper into the trees. Soon, even the breeze couldn’t break through the thick canopy of leaves. This is far enough away from the mansion to afford some privacy. Pausing, I turned around. “Hello, Philippe.” The steady trudge of his footsteps ceased. “There’s no need to hide. I wouldn’t mind some company.”
Philippe stepped out from the shadows. “I should hope so. A lovely lady like you, all alone in the forest? Anything could happen.” He winked. “Out here, dark creatures prey on helpless maidens such as you.”
My brows lifted. I was many things. Helpless wasn’t one of them.
Time to end this.
Raising my left arm, I pulled Necromancer power into my body. The bones in my left hand instantly glowed blue. I sent a plume of sapphire smoke rolling across the forest floor. As spells went, this was a minor use of magick and nothing that would alert a Fantome. That said, it should be more than sufficient to inspire Philippe to depart. For extra effect, I made the smoke billow around us in waves.
All the while, Philippe stood with his mouth hanging open. It was a most satisfying reaction.
I snapped my fingers, and the mist disappeared. “Listen to me carefully. The dark creatures fear me, not the other way around. I’m a Grand Mistress Necromancer.”
That ought to do it.
For a long time, Philippe said nothing. Seconds passed until a sense of worry curled inside my stomach. What had I done? I needed Amelia’s help. Scaring the wits out of her brother was foolhardy. When I spoke again, I took care to keep my tone gentle. “Philippe?”
“You’re a Grand Mistress Necromancer.” He stood frozen for another moment. After that, he started to laugh. The sound was gentle and rolling. “That’s brilliant.”
“Really?” Most Royals feared Necromancers. “Thank you.”
Philippe inspected me from head to toe. His gaze was so careful it was as if he were committing every detail to memory. “I’m afraid I misjudged you, Grand Mistress Elea.” His tone became reverent. “My apologies.”
My cheeks reddened. “Don’t worry. Few suspect I’m a Necromancer since I’m not a Fantome.”
“Let me try to make it up to you.” Philippe sauntered up to my side. “I promise to inspire smiles on your trek through the forest. Would that be sufficient penance for my misdeed?” He kept right on speaking without giving me a chance to answer. “Have I ever told you about the time I saw the Vicomte fall in love? It was terribly silly.”
“Your offer is kind.” I watched Rowan’s bird hop from tree to tree. “I’d like to be alone for a while, though.”
Philippe lifted his once-shiny boot, showing how it was now covered in dirt and gunk. “But I’ve ruined a perfectly good pair of boots while trying to protect you. The least you can do is allow me to keep you company.” He gave me a roguish grin. “Besides, the tale is a gossip’s dream, if I may say so.”
I narrowed my eyes. Maybe I can turn this to my advantage. “If you insist on coming along…”
“I do.”
“Then I have my price.”
His blue eyes glittered. “Name it.”
“You must answer a question for me.” I plastered on a grin. “It’s clear that you think I’m not ready for court life. What’s wrong, exactly? And don’t fill my head with a pack of pleasant nonsense. I need your honesty.”
Philippe frowned playfully. “Ah-ah-ah. You’re asking me to insult a lady.”
I rolled my eyes. “Come now. We both know I’m no lady.” The bird flittered to another tree, and I started to follow it again. Philippe kept pace beside me.
“You’ve been following that creature for a while now. Is the bird enchanted?”
I arched my brows. “I don’t recall my answering your questions as being part of this bargain.”
Phillips chuckled. “All right, then. Here’s where you fail. You’re trying too hard, my dear.”
I stopped. “Whatever does that mean?”
“When you force a smile, you drop your mask. I can see every hidden thought in your pretty amber eyes, and it’s clear how much you loathe the courtly game. That’s essentially admitting a weakness, and no one wants to be allied with the weak.”