“We’re not friends,” Narcissa said again.
“I know.” She certainly hadn’t gotten friendlier in the past few months. “But we’re not so different,” I said.
She barked a short, mirthless laugh. “Yes, we are. You’re a hero. I’m just a witch who helped her traitor mother.”
“Narcissa—”
She shook her head again. “Look at me,” she said, “and look at everyone else. They’re afraid.”
As much as I tried to deny it, I couldn’t. The guests, most of them Lydia’s friends, were eying Narcissa like she was gunpowder about to explode.
My words lodged in my throat. I had my fair share of fearful looks, but after my hearing, I was mostly met with enthusiasm and sometimes even awe. My cheeks colored.
“You don’t have to stay, if you don’t want to,” I managed to say. “I’ll tell everyone you aren’t feeling well.”
She gave a small nod. The closest I’ll ever get to a thanks, no doubt.
Captain Greenwood sauntered over to the pillar with two glasses of punch. “Miss Amarante,” he said, eyes brightening. A bit of liquid spilled over the sides as he came to a stop. “Splendid venue, is it not? I heard the candied pineapple is to die for.”
I mustered a smile. “So have I.”
The captain handed Narcissa a glass and patted Misty’s head. “I heard from Queen Cordelia you decided to accept her offer,” he said. “Are you excited for your trip next month?”
“I am,” I said. “I can’t thank you enough for your generosity, Captain Greenwood.”
“And I can’t thank you enough for your deeds,” he said. “Ah! I almost forgot. I believe your aunt is waiting for you outside. She looks a bit lost.”
“Aunt Lana is here?” I asked, perking up.
“You better go meet her before she changes her mind and disappears,” he said, chuckling. He placed a hand on Narcissa’s shoulder. “Come, my girl. I suppose you’re tired of all this standing. There are some heavenly cushions in the other room.”
The faint smile on Narcissa’s face as the chattering captain led her away was enough to untangle the knot in my stomach. I let go of a breath and ran back to the entrance.
“Aunt Lana!” I called out.
She stood at the foot of the stairs, dressed in a stiff beige gown and looking very out of place amongst the luxury of the palace. I met her halfway down the steps.
“You came,” I said with a grin.
My aunt shrugged, rattling the basket on her arm. “I had nothing else in my schedule,” she said, adjusting her bonnet. She handed me the basket. “Here. I had some extra sticky glue left over. I suppose your stepsister and brother-in-law would find it useful in the future. Toddlers are very destructive.”
“They’ll be delighted,” I said, accepting the gift. I gave her a sidelong glance as we climbed the stairs. “By the way, I have good news.”
Lana raised an eyebrow. “Miriam is closing her shop?’
I laughed as we entered the banquet hall. “I’ll tell you later. But for now, we have a party to attend.”
Acknowledgements
Before I wrote this book, I didn’t think I could write a book.
I used to think writing a novel took patience, but everybody has patience. What we need is passion. Once we find it, we can do anything we want.
I was lucky enough to find that passion. Still, it took five years to figure out what I wanted to write and how I wanted to write it. And while the process mostly involved me sprawled on a futon typing a thousand words a day during quarantine, I have so many people to thank for making Amarante’s story happen.
My beta readers, you guys are the best. I want to thank Henrietta, Samantha, and Cassandra, who acted more like critique partners and took the time to point out all my inconsistencies and typos. Thank you Charity, Christine, Sabrina, and Emilie for giving the most positive and encouraging feedback when I was doubting myself.
I want to thank Leandra for loving every bit of my book, making the most gorgeous fan art I’ve ever seen, and creating the beautiful pattern on the cover and interior. Your enthusiasm means the world. And the same goes for my roommate Greeshma, my friends Susy, Sofia, Bianca, and Paulina, and my sister Liana. Thank you for being my cheerleaders, dealing with my whining, and having more faith in me than I did.
Thanks to Natalia Leigh over at Enchanted Ink Publishing for helping me polish up my blurb.
And last but certainly not least, I want to thank Esme, creator of Aquatia, fellow storyteller, and the best online friend I ever had. Our friendship ended too soon, but I know you would be proud of me. Your creativity and talent inspire me every day. Rest in peace.
Ireen Chau is a long-time artist, writer, and above all, a lover of stories. She is located in Los Angeles, California, where she attends art school full-time. She hopes to snag a job in the animation industry, but if not, she has several backup careers in the works, including being an author and a middle-school PE teacher.
When not reading, writing, or drawing, Ireen can be found browsing the internet for memes and watching YouTube commentary videos. Visit her website at ireenchaubooks.com or her Instagram page @theherbwitchsapprentice for news about future projects.
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