The Baroness focused on Amelia and Philippe. “All the upper nobility congregate here. Never in the castle. I’ll introduce you to some of the more important families.” She glared at me. “You stay quiet.”
I nodded. Not a problem. I’d no desire to chitchat with Royals. I tried to appear calm despite the nervous energy in my limbs. When would I be able to sneak away? My hand rested on the inner pocket where Amelia’s witness watch was hidden.
Tomorrow night, little Ada ran out of time.
I had to find one of those wells and soon.
The Baroness led us up to a small group of short Royal ladies with wide waistlines and billowing purple gowns. She approached the gray-haired crone of the group. “Duchess,” she cooed.
The elder woman stepped forward. “Don’t stand on ceremony with me, Bertie. Call me Irena like everyone else.”
I fought back a smile. Irena was a woman after my own heart.
The Baroness pressed Amelia toward the clutch of ladies. Philippe stayed glued to his sister’s side, his suave smile firmly in place. “I’m sure you know the Lady Amelia Masson and her brother Philippe,” said the Baroness. “Amelia’s the sole heir to the Vicomte.”
Irena set her plump hands on her ample belly. “The one in all rumors?”
“Rumors?” The Baroness blinked innocently. “I hadn’t heard anything. However—” She allowed a significant pause to follow. “The Lady Amelia will play Theodora tonight.”
“Aren’t you the clever one, Bertie?” If she’d been a cat, Irena would have hissed and arched her back.
“Always.” The Baroness appeared overly pleased with herself. Amelia was about to become the Caster Queen. Rowan’s lands hadn’t been ravaged by war like ours had been with the Tsar. The Caster continent remained a rich and powerful place. Clearly, the Baroness planned to make the most of Amelia’s upcoming fortune.
Irena sighed. “Such a shame, though. No one important from the House of Theodora is here tonight, are they?”
“They’ll attend my next party. Mark my words.” The Baroness kissed Irena on both cheeks. It was a simple enough gesture, but it was done with icy intent. There was no love lost between these two.
The Baroness led us out of earshot of Irena before turning to Amelia and Philippe once more. “Stay close now.” She glared at me again. “Especially you.”
After that, we slowly made our way across the garden. Every few feet, the Baroness would pause and engage another Royal family. It was always the same conversation, which was essentially what we’d discussed with Irena. I wanted to pull my hair out. All the while, the sun dipped lower in the sky. Shadows lengthened around us. Time was running out.
A few Fantomes walked by. I did my best not to stare. They stayed to the garden’s outer paths as they scurried into the growing darkness. There was a short list of reasons why the Fantomes would be so busy tonight. The most likely? With this many visitors, prisoners like Ada would need extra guards, and no one could guard like a Fantome. I gritted my teeth.
I must steal away.
Philippe took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Patience, Fleur.”
I gave him a forced smile. Patience was never my strong suit.
At last, we stepped into a clearing lined with wooden benches. A stage stood at the far end of the space. White tents flanked either side. The Baroness focused on Philippe. “You’re expected in the far right tent. I’ve arranged for you to play one of the starving peasants.”
“Thank you, Baroness.”
In a flash, I pictured the perfect means of escape. In fact, my idea was so good I had to work hard not to grin. There was only one catch. I had to rely on Amelia’s quick mind to catch on or my plan would end before it began.
I eyed Amelia from head to toe and made a tut-tut noise. “You’re looking pale, my friend. We can’t have you passing out on stage, now can we?”
“What are you talking about?” The Baroness’s thin nostrils flared. “My family has hosted the Passion Play of Theodora for a hundred years. No one has ever passed out on our stage.”
“And they won’t tonight.” I edged away. “I’ll simply get Amelia her tonic.”
The Baroness pursed her lips. “One of the servants can do it.”
“Oh, no.” Amelia’s face became the image of wide-eyed innocence. “They never get it right. Last time I asked a stranger to prepare the concoction, I became unwell.” She puffed out her cheeks.
I could have cheered with joy. Of course, Amelia knew exactly what I planned.
The Baroness gasped. If she thought fainting was outrageous, then the idea of Amelia vomiting sent her into a panic. She whirled on me. “And you know how to prepare this tonic?”
“I’ve done it a hundred times.” I took another half step backward. “I’ll return as soon as I can.”
The Baroness pointed to the castle. “The kitchens are that way. You’ll find whatever you need there.”
“Of course.”
“Fine. Only be quick about it. The play starts in few minutes.” The Baroness grabbed Amelia’s arm and led her off to a nearby tent. The moment the canvas flap closed, it was as if I could finally breathe again.