I frowned. “What made you change your mind? You weren’t excited before in Amelia’s chamber.”
Philippe flashed me a roguish smile. “One reason.” He lowered his voice to the barest whisper. “After your handiwork at the Havilland estate, tonight promises to be quite entertaining.”
Philippe never took anything seriously. In this moment, I could have kissed him for it. I allowed myself a small grin in return. “Let’s get ready. We’ve a big night ahead of us.”
Chapter Fifteen
Amelia and I sat inside a boxy carriage, waiting our turn to be received at the Montagne mansion. I fidgeted in my fluffy gown and glared out the window. All I could see was the long line of bright-colored carriages before us.
Leaning forward, I peeped out the window again. The cobblestone road led up to a low wall made of white rock. After that, there towered a pristine castle made of pearl-colored marble. The square structure stood three stories high and was decorated with far too many turrets for my taste. Then again, the Royals did everything to excess. I huffed out a breath.
Amelia gave me a sympathetic grin. “This is the worst part, you know. Waiting.” She looked perfect in her pink gown. This edition was adorned with dainty lace and tiny pearls. I didn’t know how many versions she had of the same dress, but they were all unique and gorgeous on her. I yanked on the collar of my gray dress. It was far too large in the skirts for my liking. Even so, I was pleased with the color. Perhaps I could blend into the background.
Philippe pulled his steed up to the window. The setting sun cast a golden halo behind his blond head. His gaze immediately fell on his sister. “It’s all right to be worried.”
Amelia sighed. “It feels silly with so much more at stake.” She gave me another sweet smile. “You’re the one with the most to risk here.”
I stared at her for a moment. What were they talking about? Then it hit me. Genesis Rex and her engagement. In all my obsessing about Ada and the others, I’d forgotten that Amelia was about to meet her future betrothed.
Philippe kept his steed at a perfect pace with the window. “I’m sure you’ll find him a good man. When you meet him, that is.”
“Oh, I have met Rex,” I said quickly. “Didn’t I tell you?” Suddenly, I felt like the worst friend in the realm.
Amelia brightened a little. “No, you didn’t.”
“He’s a very fine man, Amelia.” In truth, he was older and a bit flighty. I didn’t share that part. “I spoke with him a number of times.”
There, that was putting it nicely. Still, Amelia and Philippe kept staring at me. Clearly, they wanted more detail on the positive side of Genesis Rex. It took a few moments, but I finally came up with something. “He was very well respected by his people.”
“What were the Casters like? Would I be allowed any freedom?”
“Caster women are given a lot of leeway. Many are warriors and healers.”
“But what about the Imperial family?”
“Oh, that.” I worried my lower lip with my teeth. I’d promised Rowan never to reveal his true purpose here. Surely I could give Amelia a little information to ease her mind. “I’m close with someone who knows the Imperial family. If I see him tonight, I’ll find out all I can.”
Amelia’s eyes widened. “Is your friend another mage like you?”
“He is.” The less said on that account, the better.
Philippe pulled his mount closer to the carriage window. “Only a few minutes more. Are my ladies presentable?”
Amelia forced on a smile. “We’re ready.”
“Excellent.” He guided his horse farther away from our carriage.
Although night was falling, the temperature inside the wagon seemed to increase with every inch we moved closer to the castle. I leaned out the window, eager for a breath of fresh air and a better look at the estate.
The cobblestone road ended at the castle’s outer wall. The heavy wooden doors had been flung open. We rode on to the castle’s front entrance. Our carriage paused before a flight of brilliant white steps that ended in a small landing. There, the Baron and Baroness de Montagne greeted visitors. Both of them were petite, pale, and slender. They had white-blonde hair and ice-blue eyes. Not like the kind of people you’d suspect would be imprisoning Necromancers under their home. Then again, I didn’t suspect my best friend of tricking me into a curse, so how well could I judge?
I leaned back inside the carriage. “Not long now.”
Amelia sat up and gripped my hands. “You don’t think they’re suffering, do you?”
No question which “they” she was referring to. The Necromancers. Memories of my vision appeared. Little Ada being held down… The flash of blood and steel… And her pitiful cries for help. I still didn’t want to tell Amelia about it. What would that accomplish anyway?