Of Glass and Glamour Page 6

  Tess ran in hurriedly, her hands tucked in her apron.

  “Finally!” Nessa hissed. “Please tell me you got enough to pay for the dress.”

  She pulled out a handful of coins and bills. “This is all I was able to trade the broach for.”

  Nessa snatched the money and thumbed through the bills. “It’s not enough.”

  “Well, it’s all I could get. Maybe if I was able to lay low for a few days before having to hawk a hot item, I could have gotten more, but only Red was at the booth, and this was the best I could do.”

  “Fine, it will have to do.” Nessa’s eyes were wild as she looked around the room and then back to the shopkeeper’s back. She quickly reached down and tore at the trimming on her bodice. When the shopkeeper returned, she was complaining loudly. “I can’t possibly go to the ball in this? It’s ripped. It’s shoddy workmanship on your part.”

  “It wasn’t like that. I swear?” He reached for her bodice, but Nessa slapped his hand away. “Don’t you dare touch me. I think the only thing to do now would be to offer me a discount.”

  The shopkeeper was obviously taken aback. He scratched the back of his neck. “I’m sure the ladies in alteration can fix it, if you want.”

  “There’s no time. I’ll take it like it is but at heavy discount for my time and for ruining my dress.”

  “Fine,” he named a price, and I could see Nessa’s smile of satisfaction that she now had enough money for the dress.

  “Wrap it up.”

  Tess had hung back, standing in the shadows while her older sister conned the owner. But she couldn’t hide from me.

  “So, you’re playing the long con,” I whispered into Tess’s ear.

  She jumped, her hand coming to her breast in startlement.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve done no such thing.”

  “You’re good at lying, but are you as good as your sister?”

  She smiled in pride. “Better.”

  “She spies the items. You resell them before the vendors even know they’re stolen and use the money to make your purchases, today’s being an extravagant dress. Let me guess, the prize isn’t a dress is it.”

  She looked away from me uncomfortable. Her shoulder twitched, and I knew that I was partially right. “You’ve both set your eyes on the prince.”

  “No, not both. Only one of us. We were unable to afford enough dresses for the masquerade ball and coming nights.”

  An idea began to form in my mind. The inner mischievous Eden wanted to dance in excitement. The plan was perfect.

  “What if I could change that?” I whispered. “What if I could grant your wish and help you get to the ball?”

  She dropped her head as Tess passed her in the shadows and headed into the street. “Nessa won’t like that. She won’t like it at all.”

  “Who says we have to tell her? It is a masquerade after all.”

  She looked up at me with such hope that I felt sorry for the thief. She was going to be a pawn in my plan.

  “Yes, yes. I would do anything to go.”

  My stomach began to rumble, and I prayed she hadn’t heard. “Then I need you to get a few items for me and meet me tonight in the churchyard.”

  Chapter Eight

  When I came back to the inn at midday, I wasn’t at all surprised to see most of the tables were empty and few servers were about. Dorian was also notably absent. Madam Pantalonne, wearing a lilac wig, was sitting at a table having tea.

  “Do you mind if I join you?” I asked.

  “Why, of course.” She smiled sweetly and signaled for a serving girl to bring out another teacup for me. Madam poured me a cup and put sugar and cream in without asking me. I didn’t mind and sipped on the sweet black tea. “So, tell me what is on your mind. No one ever sits down for tea with me.”

  “Why not?” I asked.

  “Because I do not have the best reputation in town. So that means either you want something, or you don’t know my reputation.” She took a sip and waited for my response.

  I smiled over the rim of my cup. “Then we are the same. For where I come from, my reputation is known far and wide, and no one would dare have tea with me either.” I raised my cup in salute. “To bad reputations and the women who couldn’t care less.”

  Madam cackled, her mouth opening wide, revealing perfect white teeth. The powdered makeup and bright-colored wigs only masked her true beauty. I could see it, the slight glamour that dulled her complexion, made her eyes not as bright, and her skin more aged. I didn’t understand why she would want to look dowdy.

  “You have quite the wit,” she said.

  “Wit may be my only redeemable quality, I’m afraid.”

  “What’s on your mind?”

  “Tell me about the king.”

  She looked into her teacup. “Who he is now and who he was, are very different men. He once was kind and sweet.” Her voice softened; her eyes became misty. “He cared about his people and their problems. He was someone who I could proudly stand behind. When it came time for him to choose a bride from among Candor’s daughters, I was of the right age and background. I attended the masked ball and was asked to stay on as one of his selected chosen. Over the next week, I fell for him hard. He courted me, gave me gifts, said he loved me, promised me the world. Then on the last day of the celebrations, he walked down the aisle with another.”

  The teacup froze midair to my lips. “No!”

  Madam Pantalonne’s hands trembled, and she took a sip. She brushed at her eyes, wiping away unshed tears.

  “I believe there was someone who swayed him, whispered in his ear. I can’t prove it, but I swear there was dark magic involved. He wasn’t the Ferdinand I knew and loved after that. He acted like he didn’t even know me. Maybe he just played me for a fool.”

  “You are not a fool.”

  “Yes, for me it was true love. I couldn’t go home to my family, so I took the numerous gifts he gave me and sold them to buy this tavern. Just to be close to him.”

  “The Broken Heart,” I muttered. “It’s yours.”

  “Yes. Twice over, for he came back and took something very dear to me, and ever since that day, he has been different. Not the man I knew, but scared and irrational. All alike, fae and humans, have been hurt by him. So be wary when you go to the palace. All is not as it seems. Don’t be naive like me.”

  We sat for a few moments, and she asked for my teacup. I handed it to her, and she swirled it around three times counterclockwise.

  I knew what the madam was trying to do. She was going to read my tea leaves.

  Madam Pantalonne turned the handle toward herself and looked into the dregs of my tea. Her eyes widened in fear, and she made a cross motion over her heart. “There’s a price on your head. I see death. So much death. And betrayal from someone close to you.”

  “Who?”

  “He’s coming for you, Eden. He wants freedom.” Madam Pantalonne’s eyes had a faraway look about them. They were no longer focused on the cup in her hands. The warning was from someone else.

  Goose bumps ran up my arms. I never told her my name. No one here knew I was Eden.

  She glanced back at me. “What have you done to earn the wrath of the king?”

  “I was born.”

  “During a hunter’s moon in Nochtember?” she asked.

  “Yes, how did you know?” Madam Pantalonne looked around the sparse room warily. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that without permission.” She put my cup on her tray, but her hands were shaking, and I watched as it clattered to the ground. The dainty teacup broke, the dark tea spilling out on the rug like blood.

  Madam Pantalonne breathed out, her hand going to her heart. “Now, I know I am truly cursed. You will not be safe if you stay here.”

  “Why?” I demanded. “What do you know that I do not?”

  “Child, you mustn’t ask these questions. It isn’t safe.” She clapped her hands to her breast.

  “Fi
ne. I will leave, but tomorrow. I have things I must do, and tonight is the ball.” I excused myself and headed out the doors.

  “If you live that long.” Her eerie warning followed me.

  Madam’s warning filled me with foreboding. She said he is coming for me. And the only he I could think of was the sorcerer Allemar, who I had helped banish to another plane. I still had nightmares of watching him scream as my sister sealed him within the realm. But we both knew it wouldn’t hold him for long.

  I stood outside the tavern, wondering where I could acquire the item my mother requested, when a dark coach pulled up and a man stepped out. It was Dorian. Quickly, I pulled my hood over my golden hair and began to walk away from him.

  “Stop, little sparrow. Where do you fly off too?”

  I quickened my steps and ignored him. I didn’t get far before he caught up to me and grabbed my arm.

  “Did you decide to go home? Give up and leave before the ball even began?”

  “No.” I crossed my arms and lifted my chin. “I have every intention of going to the ball.”

  “Funny how you say, ‘going to the ball,’ and ‘not winning the prince.’”

  “Priorities,” I grumbled.

  “Why do you look so down?”

  “Because I ask too many questions,” I answered simply.

  He laughed. “You can never ask too many questions.”

  “Maybe I asked the wrong questions then.”

  His smile dropped. “What did you do, little sparrow?”

  “Nothing,” I mumbled. “But I think I need your help.”

  Dorian grinned. “I told you that you would come to me. Everyone eventually comes to me.”

  “Fine, whatever. What is it going to cost me?” I asked warily.

  He leaned in close and whispered seductively, “Nothing more than a kiss.”

  I pondered the repercussions of letting a virtual stranger kiss me versus trying to find the item my mother requested. Then I caved.

  “Okay.” Before he could change his mind, I leaned up on my tiptoes and pressed my lips against his, similar to how I kissed the transport driver. My forwardness startled Dorian, and before he could respond and kiss me back, I pulled away.

  “Huh,” I said, surprised. “That was interesting. It was nothing like I imagined.”

  “Wait a minute.” Dorian was obviously flustered. “I wasn’t prepared. I wouldn’t exactly call that a kiss. My kisses have never been called interesting. I demand a rekiss.”

  I flashed him an angry glare. “That was a kiss,” I declared. “One kiss, one request.”

  “Uh, but… but….”

  “Don’t you dare go back on your word.” I placed my hands on my hips, and he laughed.

  “All right. You got me this time. But next time, I get to do the kissing. And believe me, you will not forget it or call it interesting.”

  “I doubt that will ever happen.”

  “It will. I guarantee it. Would you like to place a wager?”

  “No, I would not. It won’t happen,” I said irritably.

  “Challenge accepted.” He winked and gave me a little bow. “What can Dorian do for you? Do you need something stolen from someone’s house? Unbury your enemies’ darkest secrets. You do remember that is my specialty.”

  “I do need to unbury something.”

  “Oh?”

  “I need a shovel. One made of iron.”

  He scratched the back of his head. “That is an unusual request. I have to admit, I was expecting something different.”

  “Can you do it or not?”

  “I can do it. It just may take me a few candle marks. May I ask what it is for?”

  “No.”

  “What are you going to unbury?”

  “Again. No.”

  “You make things interesting, little sparrow.”

  “Look, Dorian, I don’t have much time.”

  He held up his hands and swung back up into his coach. “Okay, where should I meet you.”

  I looked up at the afternoon sun and knew I was running out of time.

  “The church.”

  The air was cold, perfect for my liking. Dorian arrived right on time with the shovel.

  “Now, sparrow, are you going to knock me over the head and drag me into the church to marry me?” he teased. Dorian was dressed to impress in an all-black suit with gloves.

  “You are dressed for the part.”

  He leaned close and smiled. “For you, I would run to the altar.”

  I batted him in the chest and took the shovel from his gloved hand. “Thank you, but not today.”

  He looked put off that I wasn’t falling for his charm. But I knew what kind of man he was and didn’t want to end up with a broken heart.

  “If you don’t get moving, you won't make it to the ball. Would you like me to give you a ride? Unless you’ve changed your mind?”

  “No, thank you. I have someone I’m meeting still.”

  Dorian’s brows furrowed. “Is it a man? It's getting dark. I don’t think it would be safe for you.”

  “Would it matter?” I huffed. “I’m quite capable of taking care of myself. More than capable, in fact.”

  Dorian turned to leave but then came back and leaned down, brushing the sleeve of my arm. “I know we barely know each other, but I want you to be safe. Just the idea that you are going to go to the ball to throw your future away and marry someone you barely know unsettles me.”

  “Dorian, there’s a very slim chance I’ll make the cut. I won’t be picked to stay, much less marry the prince. You said it yourself.”

  The muscles in his jaw ticked, and he looked at the ground before meeting my eyes. “I lied,” he whispered. “He would be a fool not to choose you.”

  “Dorian. You don’t know me,” I whispered.

  “I have gifts, and one of them is knowing things.” He pulled out a white mask with intricate diamonds and aquamarine gems from his jacket. The mask was probably worth a fortune—more money than my family had ever seen or owned. “Wear this tonight. It will bring you luck.”

  He handed me the jeweled mask and raised my hand to place a gentle kiss on the back. Unlike our earlier chaste kiss, the feel of his lips brushing my skin made me shiver.

  “Until I can kiss you for real.”

  “It will never happen.”

  “Remember, I know things.”

  “Apparently not, since you don’t even know my name.”

  “And I will enjoy the quest to find out.” He walked back to the carriage and tapped on the roof for the driver. He waved at me before he rode away.

  When he was out of sight. I picked up my skirt, grabbed the shovel, and raced behind the church to the cemetery.

  Once there, I moved among the headstones and monoliths, searching. There were many religious denominations in Candor, but the fae were not buried in the church yards. They were considered heathen and buried in a separate cemetery, one that could only be seen by moonlight if you followed the toadstools.

  The sun was setting, and the lamplighters were taking to the street to light the lamps. In my town of Nihill, the lamps were lit with candles, but in Candor they used hobby lanterns and trapped will-o’-the-wisps within. Their green hue floated around inside, blinking in and out, giving the illusion of candlelight.

  It was hard to feel sorry for the ghostly creatures, for if not captured they would very well lead a lost child into a bog to their doom.

  The first moon rays passed over my hand, and I searched the ground for the elusive toadstools, walking the edges of the graveyard until I came to a break in the trees. There I found the path and followed it until I came to a mound of glittery rocks, signifying the place my mother told me to dig.

  “By the stars and light, please forgive me for what I am about to do.”

  I held out my hand and uttered, “Terra Fodiunturi.”

  The earth shifted and groaned, moving as if a sleeping giant underneath turned over, then settled again. Disturb
ing the fae was not part of my plan. But if I was going to help get past the truth seer, I needed more power, and what was more powerful than an item worn by fae?

  “Terra Fodiunturi.” I tried a second time, and this time the earth gave forth a giant fart as if taunting me and my lack of spell ability.

  “Oh, that’s it,” I snapped, holding the iron shovel above my head. “I’ll just have to do this the old-fashioned way.” With all of my might, I shoved the iron shovel into the ground and muttered the spell a third time using the iron to cut through the fae magic. Mother would be proud.

  The shovel pierced through the top layer of white stone and earth, and after a few more shovelfuls, I hit something solid and felt a current run through my fingers as the magic fought against the iron weapon. Kneeling, I brushed away the dirt and saw a golden box. Not a coffin or sarcophagus, because fae became earth when they died. They had no reason to bury the dead, but sometimes they buried a prized possession.

  Taking out my piece of chalk, I drew a symbol on the box.

  “Resignio”

  The box began to glow, and I heard the sound of clicks. Like a puzzle box, it shifted and moved compartments, opening and unraveling until it revealed a beautiful pair of glass slippers.

  “Thank you. I will return these to you when I am done.”

  Dirty, dripping with sweat, I stumbled out of the fairy circle and back into the cemetery. I weaved a glamour, making me into an old woman version of myself.

  I was nervous and tried to keep the eagerness out of my eyes. It was time to meet with Tess. I was thrilled that I was helping her get on equal footing with her sister. My hands were shaking with excitement as I sat on a short stone wall and waited.

  A shadow slipped through the cemetery gate, and I jumped down and hid behind a tall monolith.

  “Hello?” Tess’s scared voice carried through the night. “Miss fairy of the night? I’ve brought you an offering.”

  I used a bit of glamour to make my appearance brighter in the dark as I stepped out from behind the monolith. I put a hint of otherworldly echo into my voice.

  “Hello, my child.” I eyed the bag of food she had brought and tried to keep my stomach under control. I hadn’t asked for an offering but was now rethinking any future deals I made to include it in the contract. She laid out a fresh loaf of bread, cheese, and hard salami. Ugh, I hated salami, but it would have to do. I tried to keep the disappointment from my voice. “Er, yes, that is good.” I spun in a circle and tried to show off the sparkly dress I wore. “What is it that you wish this night?”