The Baron sniffed, an action that highlighted his very long and pale nose. “Your relatives have all but disappeared from good society.”
“Michel, please.” The Baroness shot her husband an angry look.
“What about the Fantomes?” asked Philippe. “You’ve so many here. Everyone says how they keep order in your castle. I’m sure they wouldn’t appreciate a change in plans at this late hour.”
The Baroness’s pale pink lips rounded into a small smile. “The Fantomes are all such dear people. There’s no need to worry about them.”
A lead weight seemed to fall into my stomach. The Baroness thinks Fantomes are dear people? What kind of place is this?
“Now, Amelia.” The Baroness spoke as if addressing a small child. “You must see how important this is, considering your new, uh, role in society.” She waved her dainty hand toward Philippe. “We’ll give your brother a little part as well. Remember, this is a sacred play to honor the patroness of all Royals. Being selected to play any part in this ceremony is a great honor. And your family line traces directly to Theodora.”
Amelia worried her lower lip with her teeth. “Which is why I must refuse. I couldn’t possibly learn the ritual part so quickly.”
“Fiddle-faddle,” said the Baron. “Everyone knows the story of Theodora. You especially. The Fantomes will be thrilled.” He seemed especially pleased with that last statement.
I eyed the Baron and Baroness carefully. When I’d met the Marchioness, it was clear how much she hated having a Fantome around. I liked that in a person. On the other hand, the Baron and Baroness spoke fondly of Fantomes. How could I trust someone who liked the Vicomte’s mages? I’d have to stay on alert for a hidden motive.
Amelia stayed thunderstruck, so I decided to step in. I gave the Baroness another curtsey. “What Lady Amelia means to say is that she’s honored to be selected.” I turned to Amelia, who nodded woodenly. “For my part, I shall watch your performance with pride. I’m sure you’ll do well.”
Philippe gave everyone a white-toothed grin. “And I’d love to play one of the poor starving beggars who’s saved by Theodora’s fire. I look exceptional in rags.”
The Baroness winked and tapped Philippe on the shoulder with her fan. A strange look passed between them and was quickly gone. Could Philippe and the Baroness be having an affair as well? I wouldn’t rule it out.
“I’ll show you where to prepare yourselves,” said Baroness as she hustled Amelia and Philippe off into the mansion.
We all passed the threshold. The Baroness guided Amelia and Philippe into the crowd. I held back. Once they were gone, then I could start to explore on my own.
The Baroness paused, spun on her heel, and faced me. “Come along now. The Vicomte warned me about you.” The way she said the word “you,” it was clear that I ranked somewhere between pond scum and pig slop.
“He did?” It didn’t bode well that the Vicomte remembered me at all.
“Stay close now,” ordered the Baroness. “I won’t have you causing any trouble.”
I curtsied and hurried to join their group. “I don’t know where the Vicomte would have gotten such an idea.”
Baroness stepped through the crowd, which parted for her without a word. “I don’t either. You seem like such a harmless little creature.”
“Well, I won’t give you any trouble.”
Yet.
Chapter Sixteen
The castle’s corridors were packed. As I inspected the mass of colorfully dressed Royals, every inch of me itched to cast a transport spell. Without magick, it could take forever to get out of here and reach the gardens.
I need to search those wells and find the entrance to the dungeons below.
The Baroness snapped her fingers, interrupting my worries. “Follow quickly now.” She took off into the crowd. All the Royals shifted out of her path. It appeared to be an unspoken rule: unless the Baroness acknowledged you, you didn’t get in her way. The deference was extended to Amelia and Philippe as well.
Not to me, though.
Everywhere I went there was an intricate dance of shoving elbows and stomping toes, followed by a chorus of false apologies and leading questions.
“Did I step on your gown, sweetling? How silly of me, uh, what’s your name?”
“You shouldn’t sneak up on people. Where did you learn manners?”
“Are you lost? The ball is tomorrow night. The play is a far more exclusive event.”
It was the most restrained show of outright hatred I’d ever encountered.
At last, we reached the gardens behind the castle. My shoulders slumped as I scanned the scene. A labyrinth of tall saplings and thick hedgerows seemed to stretch off into infinity. I stood on tiptoe, straining to look past the tall shrubbery.
Not a single well in sight.
I worried my lower lip with my teeth. These gardens were massive. If I ever wanted to find the well that led down to the dungeons, then I needed a true chance to explore.