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Aisling winced. “That bad?”

Brook recovered her voice and declared: “You look even more edible than your own cloud cakes.”

“You’re one to talk!” Aisling’s eyes were wide and bright as she took in Brook’s outfit.

Worth it, then. Brook gave a little bow. “Why, thank you.”

“I feel a bit ridiculous,” Aisling said with a laugh. “I was excited to put it on again, and it’s very beautiful but…”

“Feels like you’re someone else?” Brook chuckled. “Story of my life.”

“Well, we’re playing parts.” Aisling smiled, though it flickered faintly.

Brook tucked Aisling’s arm into hers and drew her close. “This is less playing a part than any other party I’ve ever attended, at least. I’m curious what you’ll make of everything.”

Aisling shot her a sideways look and opened her mouth, as if she’d say something. Ask something? But instead, she just said, “Well, let’s go then. I have royalty to impress.”

At any other party, Brook would’ve lingered on the fringes and in side-rooms. She’d rather play games of chance and drink wine and talk nonsense than join a dance, though of course she was well-trained in all the popular ones. She liked to admire the décor, the fashion, and of course there was the gossip element at these events to interest everyone. But all that was best done from a distance.

But tonight, at the Gearwick Cultural Dance, Brook’s first duty—and a happy one for once—was to squire Aisling. With that goal in mind, it was less irritating to feel eyes on her as they entered the ceremonial pavilion. Before they’d gone ten steps, an old friend approached with open arms and a broad smile. “Brook! You’re looking well! And who’s this beauty?”

Aisling raised an eyebrow skeptically. Funny, since her reaction to Brook’s compliments was so often to flush.

Brook said, “Emmi, this is Aisling, my intended.” Huh. First time saying that out loud, and somehow it didn’t make Brook’s skin crawl. “Aisling, Emmi. Dun Steorra University.”

“If you ever have an urge to study the stars, do come,” Emmi said brightly.

“How’s married life?” If they were going to run into a past fling, Brook was delighted it was Emmi.

“Oh, just fine—and his family’s funding my research!”

“A result,” Brook said with a chuckle.

Emmi kissed her on the cheek, then leaned in to kiss Aisling—who allowed it though it made her laugh. Emmi said, “You two have fun—you make a beautiful pair, you know. About time you settled down, Brook.”

As they walked away, Aisling said, “Who was that?”

“Mmm, maybe five summers ago? Six? We had a little something,” Brook said.

“She’s lovely.”

“And smart—though not in a very useful way, sadly. Astrology.”

“You don’t believe in it?”

“I don’t care enough about it to have a strong opinion.” Brook snorted.

Aisling laughed and took her arm, tucking it into her own elbow. “I think it’s interesting. I like learning new things—and I don’t think it’s ever useless.”

“Well, you’re doing much more with your life than me, so you’re probably correct.” Brook squeezed her and then paused as a few elves stepped out of the way. A tight little knot of Emberleigh nobility came into view. “Right. Ready to get this over with?”

“Will your family fund my research?” Aisling teased.

“Oh, absolutely.” Brook laughed though she wasn’t joking. It was the least she could do, for Aisling’s patience these last few days. Her flexibility with her own deeply important plans was humbling.

Brook wasn’t sure she’d ever felt humbled before. She certainly never expected to like it so much, either way.

As they started toward the knot of Brook’s relations, Aisling gripped Brook’s arm tightly. “I’m a little nervous. I’ve never really talked to nobility.”