Page 107 of House of Marionne

“I was actually going to suggest the upcoming merchant festival might be the most efficient route to go,” Mrs. Cuthers cuts in.

“Efficient isn’t the priority.” Grandmom turns to me. “This is what you want? To pick your designer at a merchant festival when everyone else does? From the selection everyone else does?”

I don’t care what my dress looks like. I just want to bind with my magic as soon as possible. “I would hate to delay things for any reason.”

“Fine. I’ll talk to Jordan later today about security for the event just to be sure it’s extra tight.”

Wait. “He’s back?”

“He returned a few days ago.”

A hook tugs in my stomach. He didn’t reach out to me.

“Was his trip successful?”

“So he told you.” She tsks. “The girls were found, but that isn’t your concern. Are you ready for the Tea today? It’s nearly noon.”

“Everything’s in order.”

“It better be.” When the door clicks shut behind her, I try to exhale but can’t.

* * *

It’s ten until noon when I rush to the front lawn in my flowery patterned dress, my House riband across my chest. To the backdrop of Grandmom’s luscious gardens, the tea party is being set up.

“There you are!” Plume beckons and leads me over to the reception area. A decadent table arrangement is set for six, landscaped in House colors, with flowers and finger foods on fine plates.

“What do we think?”

“It’s breathtaking!” I recheck the measurements of everything on the table. The plates, cutlery, and napkins should be one point five inches away from the table edge, no more. In the distance, Grandmom exits the estate with a girl about my age on her arm. I have to lock my knees to still my nervous energy as they cross the lawn to meet me. Be. Perfect.

Her heart-shaped face is framed by slicked-back auburn hair with a simple silver diadem arced over her head. Her dull charcoal dress is a sharp contrast to the rest of her. She strides confidently, shoulders back, making small talk with Grandmom. The bright blue riband slung across her is embroidered with three intersecting leaves, and matching gloves cover most of her arms. With gloves that long, no question what they’re hiding. She must be the heir to House of Ambrose.

“Nore, this is my granddaughter, Quell.”

She sticks out a hand. “Nore Emilie Ambrose. Good to meet you.” Her handshake is firm.

“You as well. Please, feel free to explore the gardens while we wait for the rest of the party. Drinks are being passed.”

Nore helps herself to the table.

“Heir Drew of Ho—”

“Really, there’s no need for all that,” the entering guest in a slick pantsuit says, slapping the waitstaff on the belly.

“Hi, Drew, I’m Quell.” I offer my hand, trying to make out the sigil on their teal sash, but it’s blocked by a long braid hanging over their sharp shoulders.

“You’re cute.” Drew taps my nose and leaves my hand. “What time do we eat? I’m starving.”

Grandmom smooths her hair, groaning under her breath. “Oralia’s people have arrived, I see,” she mutters. “Don’t expect any manners out of that one. Oralia doesn’t intend to have any children. So the estate will pass to her sibling, Drew.”

I make a mental note not to refer to Headmistress Oralia as Drew’s mother. The last guest for the afternoon, also the one I’m most curious about, isn’t far behind. Beaulah Perl’s heir. Her shiny hair is swept up behind her, curled and cascading, ornamented with jewels. Her warm brown skin is barely dusted with makeup, illuminating her natural beauty. Her ruby dress shimmers in the high sun. Gems on top of her diadem shine radiantly, outdone only by her dark eyes hung like jewels beneath long eyelashes. She is perfection. A black riband is slung across her, and my gaze snags at its cracked column embroidery.

“You must be Quell.” She folds into a curtsy that would put mine to shame. “I’m Adola Yve Perl. I was delighted by the invitation. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you from my aunt.”

“Your aunt?”

“My mother was quite surprised, too.” She laughs behind a gloved hand. “But the first girl in the entire family! Aunt Beaulah was delighted. She took me under her wing right away and raised me as her own. You and I appear to have some things in common, I see.” She eyes Grandmom with a polite smile.