“What is that?” I asked, examining the lone object sitting on the end table.
“A crystal apple,” Mae said, casting her gaze to the floor.
How odd…The apple seemed out of place in the sparsely decorated room. I picked it up, and the facets sparkled in my hand. It weighed a ton, filling my entire palm. Embedded inside the center was a red stone that tinted the thick glass a bloody hue.
“It’s lovely.”
“It’s cursed,” Mae whispered. “Forgive me, it’s not my place, but some people say the red apple is a bad omen. A sign of death.”
“That’s an old wives’ tale, Mae. It’s just a decoration, and it’s probably worth a fortune.” I returned the apple to its spot on the table, making sure it wasn’t close to the edge. The last thing I needed was an accident with a priceless heirloom.
“I hope you’re right, miss.” Mae curtsied and left the room, giving the apple a wide berth.
“It’s not an omen,” I muttered, crossing my arms and glaring at the thing. Still, I didn’t need it near my head while I slept. No use tempting fate.
Scooping it up, I deposited it into the top drawer of the vanity.
Now, if only solving the problem of Derrick’s mother was as simple as tossing her dislike for me into a drawer. But I did have something that might help. I retrieved my cloak from the closet and dug into the pocket, finding the lucky medallion. Maybe it would counteract any bad auras lingering in the air. I placed it on the nightstand and dusted my palms together in satisfaction.
Okay…what now?
I tapped my shoe against the floor, wondering how long Derrick was going to be locked away with his father and whether I should hide in my room until then.
A half hour passed before I ventured out on my own. I tiptoed down the hall, making it to the main staircase without seeing anyone. The house was deathly quiet, as if all the occupants had vanished, leaving me to wander an abandoned mansion.
On the first floor, I made my way past an opulent dining room and a music room furnished with a grand piano. Soft laughter drifted down the hallway, and I followed it, pausing outside the sitting room when I heard Isabelle speaking.
“We should wait until after Derrick accepts the promotion before we send out invitations. The event will be the talk of the kingdom. I wouldn’t be surprised if the royal family decides to attend.”
“Springtime in the gardens will be perfect,” Cynthia added.
I peered around the doorjamb at the two women conversing over a pot of tea. A three-tiered display of crustless sandwiches and mini pastries had been arranged on a small table. Another woman sat next to Isabelle, the resemblance suggesting it was her mother.
It took all my control not to fly into the room and stake my claim. The audacity of these women to sit around planning a wedding after Derrick’s earlier argument almost sent me into a rage spiral. But this situation needed to be handled with delicate gloves. I had to bring Cynthia over to my side, and burning down the sitting room would not help.
“May I join you?” I asked, stepping into the room. The smile on my face could have given every one of them a toothache.
Isabelle’s cup stopped halfway to her mouth, and there was a flash of annoyance in her gaze before she placed the cup back in the saucer.
“Tessa, we figured you’d be tired after traveling and not up for a visit.” She pursed her lips in a pout. “Unfortunately, the tea has grown cold, otherwise we’d offer you some.”
My gaze landed on her cup. Steam rose above the rim. Cynthia, at least, had the civility to look embarrassed by the lie.
“I’m sorry, Tessa. Maybe next time.”
I shrugged. A little cold tea never stopped a witch.
“That’s an easy fix. If you give me the pot, I can warm it right up in seconds. It’s actually a pretty good party trick. You’ll love it.” I winked and held out my hand for the teapot.
“No!” Cynthia snapped. The embarrassment had slipped from her features and was replaced by a steely tension. “There will be no magic in my home. I forbid it.”
Isabelle snickered, and her mother hid a grin behind her hand. My face flamed hotter than any teapot.
Mother and daughter rose as one and smoothed the silky fabric of their gowns.
“I think we’ll retire for a nap before dinner. Thank you for tea, Cynthia.” Isabelle flashed me a wicked smile before they left me alone in the room with Derrick’s mother.
The mood was frosty, and I struggled for something to say. I should have known better than to lead with magic, but I thought it would be a fun way to break the ice and show Cynthia that not all spells were bad.
