“That’s because I became ill myself. Didn’t anyone tell you? They found me in a pool of my own vomit.” After yesterday, I suspected the Baroness de Montagne wouldn’t keep chatting once I’d tossed out the word vomit. “Didn’t they tell you? It was quite grisly.” I inhaled a long breath as if ready to describe everything.
“Come inside.” The Baroness shooed us into the mansion. “Don’t be vulgar.”
I couldn’t stop my smile. What a perfect ruse. I’d just sidestepped a ten-minute lecture about nothing. All I needed to do now was find the Vicomte and get that watch.
We all stepped into the reception room, which was a large square space made of white granite. The place was crammed with Royals in their fancy gowns and longcoats. The Baroness snapped her fingers, and a servant in white livery stepped to our side. He was young and fit with an elaborate white mask made of feathers. “Excuse me,” he said. “The Vicomte wishes to see his daughter.”
All the blood drained from Amelia’s face. “He does?”
“By all means.” The Baroness waved her hand casually. “Georges, please take these three to the Vicomte.”
Amelia took a half step backward. The room was so filled with people, someone almost tripped on the train of her pretty pink gown. “I don’t need to see him.”
On the other hand, I wanted to see him. Very much.
“Don’t be ridiculous. If he calls you, you must go.” The Baroness returned to the front door and greeted another guest with air kisses on both cheeks. I supposed that meant the conversation was over.
Amelia’s gaze shifted between Philippe and me. Her blue eyes widened with worry. I could understand her concern. The Vicomte was a callous bastard, and that was on a good day. Amelia gripped the wide cuffs of her brother’s longcoat. “Why don’t we go into the ball for a moment?”
Philippe gently patted his sister’s shoulder. “You know we have to visit him now.”
“Both Philippe and I will be with you.” I lowered my voice to a whisper. “Besides, if the Vicomte gets out of line, I’ll fillet him with magick.” Right after I steal the vortex watch.
Amelia brightened a little. “Can you really do that?”
“All the fun is in trying.” I added extra menace to the phrase. That seemed to help even more.
“Let’s go, then.”
“Follow me.” Georges quickly navigated through the crowded hallways. From what I could see, this part of the mansion was made of polished gray stone with vaulted ceilings. It has hard to see much since there were so many bodies in the way.
At last, we reached a quiet corner with an unassuming door. Georges pulled it open and leaned inside. “Your Eminence, your daughter and her guests are here.”
“Send them in already.” The Vicomte’s dismissive tone set my teeth on edge. I wished he’d treat others with more respect. Or any respect, really.
Georges moved aside, gesturing for us to enter the room. Amelia stepped in first, followed by me and Philippe. The chamber was a small and simple space with wooden walls that were inlaid with white stone. The Vicomte paced by the window, wearing his garish orange pants, tall black boots, and a frilly pink shirt.
No longcoat. My heart sank. The longcoat was where the man kept all this watches. I quickly scanned the room.
No coat there, either.
And no sign of any watches.
The servant turned toward the door. Without meaning to, I gripped his shoulder. “Georges, wait!”
Everyone in the room froze. If I’d screamed fire, I couldn’t have drawn more attention to myself.
“Yes, my Lady?”
I forced my face back into a semblance of calm. “This room is frightfully cold. I should think the Vicomte would like his longcoat.” I turned to the Vicomte. “Or do you have it close at hand?”
Please, have it close at hand.
“Looking for my watches, eh?”
It took every ounce of my Necromancer training not to gasp. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“What a silly little animal you are. My devices are precious. Everyone wants to see them. Which is why I don’t leave them laying about for addlebrained nitwits to waste my time.” He pointed to the door. “Georges. Out.”
The servant quickly left the room while the Vicomte glared at me like I was a mangy dog begging for leftover views of his lovely toys. The words for a half-dozen attack spells flickered through my mind.
What I wouldn’t give to kill the man right now.
I forced my face into some semblance of calm. Time enough to kill the Vicomte later. Namely, once the vortex watch was in my possession.
The moment Georges closed the door, the Vicomte rounded on Amelia. “Back to the matter at hand. I brought you here, daughter, for one reason only. And that wasn’t to entertain your useless friends.” He stepped closer and bared his yellowed teeth at her. “Don’t you dare foul this engagement up for me.”
Amelia set her hand on her bare neck. “I would never.”
“Please. Some of my Fantomes gave me trouble today.”
I rubbed my chin. Could they be the same mages that I’d possessed last night? I certainly hoped not. If I was going to find the vortex watch, I needed every ally I could get.