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“You look like you’re going to pass out.” Cordelia’s hands appear at my ribs, soft and supportive. “I think you should lie down.”

She’s right, but I can’t sleep here. I envision the room where my things are and try to pull myself back into it.

My aura ripples around me, but nothing happens. The aether slips right through my fingers each time I try to grasp it.

I make one more attempt and feel myself shrinking into my magic as everything goes dark.

I can’t stretch my wings.

My head throbs as I crack an eye open. I’m curled up in Cordelia’s tresses the same way she’s bundled up in her blanket.

“You’re awake,” she says, her head turning on her pillow as I wriggle out of the coil. “Are you feeling better?”

I pull my knees to my chest to cover my toplessness, recalling what happened before my mind went blank. “Somewhat.”

“I was worried about you.” She kicks her covers off and scoops me up in her hand. I fit right in her palm. “You started shaking and muttering odd things to yourself, and then you shrank as you fell. I caught you right before you hit the ground.”

I arch my spine into a slight stretch. “Thanks for saving me from having an even rougher morning.”

“I figured I owed you one good catch.” Her smile falters as the maids knock, announcing that it’s time for tea. She presses a finger to her lips and slides off the bed. “They’re here early.”

I take that as my cue to leave.

I still feel like shit, but a few hours of sleep have restored some of my energy, so it’s easier to call my aether around me. I envision my room and draw my energy inward, dissolving and rematerializing in a puddle of lukewarm water. I cup the liquid in my hand and lean against a cold porcelain wall, realizing I missed the target of my bed and that I’m in Cordelia’s teacup instead.

The maids enter the room as I climb to the rim. I spot the two women approaching the dresser with trays in their hands and drop back into the tea with a splash.

I’m swung up into the air, and Cordelia’s face moves over the round opening. Her nostrils flare as I wave my hands, and she turns back to the maids.

“Do you mind if I keep this cup for my tea this morning?” she asks. “I’m quite fond of it.”

There’s a pause, then a maid answers, “Whatever you prefer, miss. Her Grace has instructed us to take any requests for your breakfast. She’ll be visiting your chambers to dine in private.”

“W-What?” Cordelia stutters, baffled by the prospect. “The Duchess doesn’t normally do that.”

“I figured it would be a fine morning to start,” Darcy says. I hear her heavy bootsteps as she enters. “I wanted to see you.”

The maids exit, and Cordelia pulls a sweet smile. “What a delightful surprise.”

Oh no. I can’t stay here and listen to them.

If I could sink to the bottom of this tea, I would. I submerge myself in it as Cordelia uses her palm to block the top of the cup.

Holding my breath, I will myself to vanish before she removes her hand.

It works this time. I come to in my room and stuff my head under a pillow, trying not to hear the bits of their conversation leaking through the aether.

10

CORDELIA

Abouquet of orange and red flowers obscures my view of Aunt Nell as she asks me another question about floral arrangements.

“It’s pretty,” I say, approving the vase before she can ask me anything more specific.

“But do the colors clash with the thistles?” she asks, running her thumb over the spiky purple blooms hiding beneath the taller flowers.

“Can’t we just remove them if they’re a problem?”