The pair lead me to a different dress shop than the one Moth and I passed yesterday. It’s sleek white with a splattering of pink blooms that arch around the doorway. Fabric is neatly displayed in rows, and as we suspected, the shop is busting at the seams with customers. Oak and Ruby search the store for the seamstress while I busy myself looking at the displays of buttons andribbons.
“What an interesting antique you are wearing,” a voice says. I turn and find two familiar red-headed faeries with butterfly wings. Their appearance scratches at my hazy memory in the most annoying way, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to place the two ginger twins in front of me. I know I’ve met them somewhere—I just don’t know where.
“A hand-me-down,no doubt.”
“Some friendly advice: you may find the prices in this shop out of reach,” the first sneers.
“And the gowns are far too fine for a night at the tavern,” the second joins in, holding a fan in front of her lips. Though, it doesn’t hide her laughter orsmug grin.
“We’re actually shopping for the grand ball,” I say as I continue to browse, not bothering to get defensive or give either of them my full attention.
Ignore the trolls, Heather. Ignore the trolls.
“So, it’s true. They’re just letting anyone in.” The sisters speak in unison, bursting into giggles as they exchange glances. To say that these two are identical with matching dresses and hairstyles and voices that harmonize when they speak feels like I’m seeing double.
“The prince thought…” I bite my tongue. So much for not letting them get a rise out of me. Besides, after last night, I’m not sure I’m the right person to presume Moth’s thoughts at all.
They laugh, covering their mouths with fans as if the ruffly features do anything to muffle the sound.
“As if you could speak for the prince,” one says as the pair circles, more wolflike than butterfly. “Or catch his eye in that.” They continue to speak, deliberately trading places every other sentence making it hard to keep track of the conversation, and I’m sure they’re messing with me onpurpose.
“Yes, well,” I clasp my hands together, “I like this old dress. Trends may come and go, but style will always set you apart from the crowd.”
“What is that about your dress?” Oak sidles up, sliding his arm around my shoulder. For some reason, my body stiffens under his touch. It’s different from the way he and Ruby playfully pulled me along—he’s being protective. The last time anyone other than Moth acted this way, they shot me by accident. But Oak’s vibe is not possessive. His fingers trace the sleeves of my shoulder like an artist at work until he’s spun me around, taking in each detail of theapplique.
“Forgive me, but I cannot stop staring. I’ve seen it somewhere.”
“Seasons ago, certainly.” The sisters once again harmonize their insults. Under my new friend’s focus, the pair begin to fade into the background.
“Yes, but that is not why it plagues me.” Oak clutches his chest dramatically before recognition meetshis eyes.
“Did Queen Plume not wear it for one of the portraits your father painted?” Ruby pipes up, joining us.
“Oh, I believe she did!” Oak nods, keeping his arm tight on my shoulder. Ruby laces her hand in mine, swinging our arms toand fro.
“Lunch after this, don’t you think?” she asks. It’s not flirtation—no, I’ve heard her use this tone with her children. She’s trying to pull me back to the present moment.
“Oh, absolutely. Did you want to do something out?” I ask ignoring the prying eyes of ouraudience.
“I think perhaps back at the palace,” Oak says with a small nudge. Ah,I see what’s going on here. These casual little gestures are a show of my place in this world’s inner circle. At the realization, I relax into the friendly choreography.
“How did you come to be in possession of such a garment?” one of the twins asks, narrowing her eyes as though trying to place the three of us. For two beings so in touch with high society, it’s strange they haven’t seen me following Queen Plume around like a lost puppy. Huh, maybe they’re not as well-to-do as they’re leading me tobelieve.
“Oh, did I not say?” I twirl a lock of my hair between my fingers. “It’s a part of her personal collection. My bags got lost on the way here, and Queen Plume and Princess Holly have been good enough to dress me in their finest.”
“…andyou are?”
“Did you not realize?” Oak cracks a smile. “This is the fair fae who stole the affections of our dear prince.”
“You—”
“She’s that same odd fae from the picnic,” the first says, and it clicks together—these are those two mean girls who were trying to get to Moth through me. Rebecca and Annabella or something? God, of course I would run into them today. But Ruby and Oak have me in a protective friendship sandwich, and honestly, I couldn’t care less what they think. Though, I wouldn’t mind a littlerevenge.
“I’m sorry,” I say, biting back a smile. “I don’t believe we’ve met before. Ineverforget a face.” They gape, and I savor the bitter shock on both of their faces. “But I’ll be glad to tell the prince what an odd choice you think he made for apartner.”
“Oh. Oh my lady, you must knowthat we—”
“—are so terribly sorry—”
