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Evie forced a smile. “Audrey doesn’t have to date a prince to be happy.”
“Wow, you’re naïve,” said Ariana. “Only a prince would make me happy!”
Evie wrapped up her gowns. “I used to think that too,” she said.
“And now?”
Evie pressed the brown paper package holding the blue and pink gowns into Ariana’s hands. “I’m just happy to have someone who cares about me.”
Ariana sniffed. “Hmmpf.”
Mal entered the room just as Ariana was leaving. “Oh, hey,” said Mal. She wasn’t a very popular person with Ariana’s family.
Ariana merely brushed by Mal as if she didn’t exist.
“You know how your mom cursed someone to sleep for a thousand years?” asked Evie.
Mal nodded.
“I totally get it now.” Evie laughed.
Mal laughed with her, and for a moment, it felt fun to be just a little wicked.
• • •
Freddie was by far Evie’s favorite client. Her graduation gown was red with black stripes. She adored the little top-hat cap that Evie had made her, complete with bone necklace. “This is bomb,” said Freddie, looking at herself in the mirror. “You are a real magician, Evie.”
“Thanks,” said Evie modestly.
“Heard you guys saw my little sister Celia when you guys were back on the Isle,” said Freddie. “How is she?”
“Good,” said Evie. “She tried to read my fortune.”
“Ha! Did you let her?” asked Freddie. “I hope not!”
• • •
Even Lonnie stopped by. Evie explained that her gown had pockets for her swords and a sheath for her bow and arrow too. “I wanted the gowns to be both fashionable and functional,” said Evie.
“Extraordinary,” said Lonnie. “I’ll show my mom. Maybe she’ll put in an order for the rest of the army.” She drew Evie in for a hug. “I’m going to miss you,” said Lonnie. “I can’t believe we’re all going to be separated so soon.”
“I know, I’ll miss you too,” said Evie. “We won’t be too far away, right? You’ll come visit?”
“It’s about a four-day carriage ride from the Imperial Palace to Auradon City,” said Lonnie. “So we can’t just pop in. But yes, I’ll definitely come visit.”
Evie promised she would too. Still, she knew that Lonnie was right—their visits would be few and far between. As much as she hated to admit it, this phase of their life was coming to a close. It was time to forge their own paths now.
Once more, Evie felt a rush of gratitude that she had been able to leave the Isle of the Lost and come to Auradon. Evie hoped that one day every little kid who grew up on that island would have the same opportunity.
Lonnie left and Jane knocked on the door. She was holding her trusty clipboard.
“Hey,” said Evie. “I have your dress ready.”
Jane didn’t need a graduation gown, but Evie had made her a new dress for the occasion anyway. She brought it out—a silvery-blue cocktail dress with a pretty lace collar. “Evie, it’s beautiful,” said Jane in an awed voice. “It’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen.”
Evie blinked back tears. “I’m so glad you love it.”
“We’ll miss you guys so much,” Jane said, enveloping Evie in a deep hug.
