Page 25 of Of Curses and Courtship

“I know,” I whisper.

But I can’t bring myself to look at my other stepsister. She may not have meant it, but I’m once again in trouble for her choices—as if I have any control over what they do. My stepsisters can do what they please, regardless of what their tyrannical mother may think. They are not so innocent.

We stand in the center of the main room, and Lady Ashbridge circles us.

“What were you thinking?” she spits. “You could have been killed.”

I press my lips together.

“What if the prince chose one of you? You could havebeen taken to their castle, never to be seen again! You would never seeeach otheragain.”

“Would that have been so terrible?” The words fall from my lips without permission. “Being whisked away by a handsome prince? Anywhere must be better than here.”

Lady Ashbridge settles her cruel, cold stare on me, and I may melt in the spot—anything to get away from her. My stepsisters hold their breath beside me. I’m doing them a favor—one they don’t deserve.

My words may just be enough to take the attention away from them.

“How can you say such a thing?” Lady Ashbridge shouts. “I have cared for you for years—since before that, when your father was still living. What would he say if he could see you now?”

My father. He’s the one thing we share—a bridge between us—but now it feels like another wall. How could she use him against me?

My chin trembles, and to my embarrassment, my voice does as well. “I don’t think he would have a strong opinion either way.”

Her eyes narrow. “Something about you has changed. What is it?”

I tilt my quivering chin higher. “Changing is the natural progression of living as a mortal, Madam. You must be more specific.”

“But you are not a mortal, are you?”

My stomach plummets, and my gaze remains level, even though I long to cower and run in the opposite direction. “You already know the answer to that. Why must you ask me such silly questions?”

“Tell me…” She leans in closer, and her hot breath makes me wince. “Were my daughters the only ones to attend the ball? You know you cannot lie to me.”

Another fae rumor, though it’s never been true for me, and I don’t know if it is for the others.

I could lie. It would not be the first lie nor the first time I got away with it. I no longer want to run, lie, or hide, and perhaps something about mehaschanged. In the sunny sitting room, with my feet pressed to cool wood, I feel like a different person.

“No,” I murmur. “I was there as well.”

Raia and Elisa gasp in unison.

“I knew it,” Elisa says. “You looked… well, notjustlike her, but quite close. Ophelia, you were positively lovely! I wanted to admire your gown, but you ran off before we could speak.”

The compliment does little to put me at ease.

“Who?” Lady Ashbridge asks in a demanding tone. “She looks likewho?”

“The one who captured the prince’s heart,” Raia murmurs. “They danced all evening.”

I finally glare at Raia, my patience worn into nothingness. “For once in your life, hold your tongue.”

“No.” Lady Ashbridge laughs—an evil cackle, unlike anything I’ve heard. “It is about time the truth comes out. Now, I can finally do what I must.”

“And what is that, Mother?” Elisa asks wearily. “Tell us our punishment. You can’t keep us waiting. It’s torture.”

“Quiet.” Lady Ashbridge’s shoulders heave as she inhales, and they shake on exhalation. “You.” Her beady eyes settle onto me. “I have allowed you to stay in my home due to my affection for your father. I know it is what he wanted, but… I believe he did not see how evil you are. He always had a soft spot for the fae. Otherwise, you would not exist.”

I swallow thickly. “Madam, I’m sorry?—”