He did try to stop me, though.
Dad moved in front of the door, his gaze lingering on the bag I had slung over my shoulder. “I knew it. You’ve chosen to disobey me.”
“I asked you to listen to her side. You didn’t. She told me everything, and I don’t believe she’s as evil as you claim.” I tapped the strap of my bag with my free hand. “So yes, my decision is made. I’m all set to be away from you. Finally.”
“You’ve always been the most spiteful of my children,” he growled. “For some reason, I also thought you were the smartest.”
“That’s why I’m pathing my own way.”
He dared to raise his fist to me. There were plenty of times I’d let him get away with it growing up. Days where I should have fought back, yet never did out of fierce loyalty mixed with fear and self loathing. He was my father. The only future I had where I’d be able to cut ties with him completely was a future with Lucretia and her guardians. A future with magic. I trusted her blindly, for better or worse.
Chapter Twelve
A Leap
I watched as guest after guest approached the front door to be let into the party. They all laughed and greeted Lucretia or her guardians as though they were old friends. My stomach churned a little at the sight because I knew for a fact many of them had never said more than a word to any of her family before that moment. The Delornes had money, power, and intrigue. That’s what they cared about. I felt pretty dumb waiting off to the side, clutching my bag so tightly my knuckles were turning white. I wanted to be the last one to arrive.
Every time Lucretia closed the front door, she always looked around as if she expected more. Deep down, I knew she was looking for me.
She won’t turn you away. They’ll all understand. She knows you believe her. It’ll be okay.
Once the guest arrival flow started to lessen, I made my move. I walked up to the door and pulled on the bell. A loud chime rang. Lucretia, I need you to be the one who answers. Please.
She heard my silent prayer. Magic or luck. It didn’t matter. When she opened the grand front door, and her eyes lit up at the sight of me, every fear melted away. Her smile lifted my spirits, and she actually reached out to hug me, breaking the rules for proper etiquette.
“I was beginning to wonder if you’d show,” she whispered. “After our conversation in the woods, I wouldn’t have been surprised if you got spooked and changed your mind.”
I shook my head. “Complete opposite reaction.” I bit my lip. “My father found out and he’s disowned me, much like he promised he would.”
“Oh...I had hoped perhaps he’d been bluffing.”
“He’s never been one to make an empty threat.” I forced a smile. “Honestly, it was only a matter of time before I left for one reason or another. The gamble is that I’ve packed up my life in the hopes that perhaps I could start one here. With you.” I then realized how presumptuous that sounded and added quickly, “You and your guardians, I mean. I’d been hoping that since you were shown so much compassion, they’d feel the same toward me. I would never assume anything between us. After all, we’ve only just met.”
Lucretia then led me into the house by the hand. The entryway was empty, so I didn’t feel as much like an idiot as I normally would have had there been an audience for my staring at the chandelier hanging over the massive foyer. She walked me toward the grand staircase along the back wall. “Let’s find a better place for your things. We can decide on what to do with you after the party is over. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night.”
“I’d be able to enjoy the party more if I knew I’d be able to rest easily tonight.”
Her hand squeezed mine. “Everything will be okay. I told my guardians about our conversation and that you were one we could trust. They won’t turn you away from sheltering here. I can’t promise how long you’ll be allowed to stay, but I can promise tonight.”
There seemed to be more implied in those words. I tried to not read too much into them.
At the first free bedroom, Lucretia found, she took my bag to set it on the floor. She then gazed over me in my fantastic suit. “It’s good you came prepared. I was hoping to dance with you multiple times this evening.”
I gasped. “That’s quite the statement to make! What will the mayor’s son think?”
“I promised him one. He’ll be content with that.”
I didn’t feel as sure because no guy in his right mind would be content with only one dance with her.
She touched my cheek gently with her fingertips. “Are you ready?”
“For?”
“A whole new world.”
I smiled for the first time that night. “Yes.”
Chapter Thirteen
A Fateful Dance
Lucretia rejoined the party before me. I needed a moment to myself to regroup before entering a room full of happy socialites. The news of my departure from home would spread soon enough. Why create a scene?
I entered the ballroom, and it was so much more than I ever imagined. The golden chandelier from my fantasies was replaced with one made of crystal. All over the dance floor were
