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Phillipa hardly dared to speak in more than a whisper. “My meeting was dreadful. I arrived with tangled hair and a filthy morning dress. It did not make a good first impression on Countess Stalbridge. Did you see the other ladies sitting in the front yard when we arrived? They’re gorgeous, perfect, and probably need no help from Master Bow.”
“They all failed their Seasons,” Ainslee crossed her arms in front of her chest, seemingly floating in the air in front of Phillipa. “Are you in the market for a monster, Duchess?”
Phillipa tipped up her chin. “Only the one I’ve come to kill.”
“Have you seen any of them yet?” Ainslee came closer, and her glow intensified. “Don’t you wonder if they’re handsome in person? Or if they’re perfectly horrible and disgusting?”
“No.” Ainslee laughed. “None have made my acquaintance of yet. But soon, I meet with Master Bow to be dressed and then there is simply no telling what will happen.”
Ainslee dipped down, reaching for Phillipa’s hand. “Please come see what the elders packed for you. It may not be everything you need, but you will be able to stand next to any lady or monster at that Ball and feel proud. No one will remember this initial indiscretion.”
Ainslee had taken the liberty of unpacking Phillipa’s bag while she met with Master Bow and the Countess. Several dresses she’d never seen before had been laid out: one green, one dusty purple, a beautiful red one with gold trim, and one an elegant white. All colors that would accentuate her red hair and green eyes. Rules were definitely different at Broadstone Hall than they had been in theton, and she wasn’t sure what fashions were expected here, but she’d be proud to be seen in any of these dresses.
An intricate collection of crystals, stones, and dried flowers circled the frocks, infusing them with magic.
“Beautiful.” Emotion pricked Phillipa’s eyes. These dresses were so much nicer than her own. Her mother and her sister hadn’t offered to help her prepare for the Ball, because they had been much more interested in committing her. “Not one detail was forgotten.”
“I think you’re missing the most important detail, Duchess.” Ainslee landed next to the white dress, and dragged a silver chain closer to her body. “The elders provided you with an instrument to disarm the Wolven King.”
Phillipa picked up the necklace and examined the pendant. It was all silver and in the shape of a teardrop. She noticed a lever, which when moved revealed a razor fine point.
“Silver will kill a wolven, Duchess,” Ainslee added, her voice barely audible. “You may not get the chance at this Ball, but when you do, you should undoubtedly take it. The elders do not wish for you to bear our burden. But they will offer you support if you do carry out this mission.”
A knock on the door made Phillipa jump. Hurriedly, she put the chain around her neck, thankful that the cover was securely in place as the pendant fell between her breasts. She would have to get very close to the Wolven King to be able to implement her new weapon. Good thing she had plenty of monsters to practice her rusty charms on.
The attendant’s mouth dropped when he saw Phillipa. She was still in the same disheveled condition in which she had arrived. “My lady, Master Bow is ready to see you now.”
Phillipa managed a smile. “Please let him know I will be there momentarily.”
With a nod, the attendant left, and Phillipa closed the door. “The Ball is starting, and I’m a mess.”
She rushed to the mirror and smoothed her hair. Ainslee fluttered between her and the looking glass.
“My lady, that’s what I’m here for. Simply decide which dress you’d like to wear tonight, and I’ll choose the crystals that will best protect you to go with it. I’m sure our dresses are nothing compared to what Master Bow has in stock, but he will know that you are a lady of fine taste, and together, we will make you perfect.”
“You’re coming to the fitting with me?” Phillipa’s mouth dropped.
“Of course not. But I will admit that I do plan to watch over you at the Ball to make sure you stay safe.” Ainslee winked. “And enjoy the monsters and all the scandal that’s sure to happen at a party without chaperones.”
“I wish you could participate in the festivities with me,” Phillipa said. She chose the green dress for tonight. As soon as she pulled it over her head, Ainslee fluttered over to help her adjust it.
“You are able to participate in all the festivities, and it is my sincerest hope that you do. I will be watching, soaking in the joy and anticipation of everyone in attendance.” Ainslee flew to face Phillipa. “Please don’t let Wesley hold you back. If a monster is ready to claim you, think of your future.”
“What about yours?” Phillipa asked. “If I leave with a monster, then your family is unprotected against the Wolven King.”
“I didn’t tell you to not get what you came for, Duchess. I just hope that you geteverythingthat you came for.”
* * *
Phillipa gasped as soonas she left her room. A monster stood in the hallway, admiring one of the paintings. She didn’t want to stare, but at first glance, she wasn’t sure what he was…a gargoyle, perhaps? She snuck another look. He was huge, and impeccably dressed, finer than any suitor in theton, in a suit she could only surmise was custom-made just for him. His skin was a grayish green, his ears were large and angled away from his head, and those teeth…they sent a shiver down her spine. The creature caught her looking and winked at her, his lips curling up into a smile when she froze in place. The gargoyle didn’t miss an opportunity, raking his gaze over her as if her green dress and stays had melted away. She’d never felt so naked in front of another man.
She turned on her heel and headed toward Master Bow’s studio, with heat in her cheeks and a far too delicious throb between her legs.
Some wolven killer she would make. She couldn’t even share the same air with a monster without becoming flummoxed. The Ball would give her a chance to get over her nerves, and hone her skills. Maybe one of them could give her a few pointers on how to fight a monster…
She was a sure shot with an arrow, but only when it wasn’t a moving, living, breathing target.
Perhaps one of them could give her a few lessons in the art of seduction.
