Caelith winked. "You get to keep the item. And eternal bragging rights."
"And if I lose?"
"You get cake."
She squinted. "So I win either way?"
"Exactly."
He bowed low, one hand over his chest. "I'll see you tomorrow, my lady of sass and secret lilies."
Then he was gone, skipping toward the stables like he hadn't just dropped five suspicious truths and a mystery.
Fluffy floated beside her, tail puffed. "I *swear* he saw me."
"You're invisible," Evelisse whispered.
"Exactly. And I have a very odd feeling he saw me."
♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡
The next day arrived in a sparkle-storm of silks, gloves, and excited nobles.
Evelisse wore a pale mint dress with ruffles like whipped cream. Her gloves were cream lace with tiny pearls stitched into the wrist. She felt very regal. And very nervous.
Snugglewuff was curled on its small fluffy couch. Fluffy hovered above, inspecting the crowd with narrowed eyes.
