Fake Princess
CHAPTER 97
“ I went back to Paula's house,” I told Devan after we returned the horses to Flower's stables. “ Maybe in a few days I can just visit the palace.”
Devan nodded. “ I'd like to find the record myself, but I don't even know where to start. If you want to visit, send me a message.”
” Wait how many more days,” I said, then fell silent. I wanted to hug her, thank her for going to Siderros with me. A few months ago I did it without hesitation. But something has changed between us, something I cannot explain. Devan was clearly uncomfortable as well; a fine line appeared between his eyebrows, and moved the pedestal from one leg to the other.
“ Thank you, Devan,” I finally said while hugging my own body.
For a moment his forehead looked deeper, and my stomach felt like a lump. But then his frown disappeared, and Devan said cheerfully, “ You can definitely do it alone. I just donated some silliness to cheer you up.”
In the past, maybe I would slap her arm or pull her hair for lying. Now, I just scowl and say quietly, “ That's not true, and you know it. I wouldn't be able to do it without you. You're my best friend, Devan.”
Devan gulped, suddenly serious. “ I know. Listen, Amelia, I—“
Whatever he was about to say, Devan had no chance to do so. A passing chicken carriage suddenly lost one wheel, so the contents spilled into the street. Some chicken coops are open, filling the air with white chicken coats and poultry feathers. We both closed our ears with our hands, and finally Devan shouted, “ Do I have to drive you home?”
“ No,” I shouted in the middle of the commotion. “ I told Paula that I went to Treb. She must have known the truth when she saw you.”
Paula asked only one pleasant question about Aunt Vania's health before pulling me into her study to check out her latest experiment. I was tired from just coming home, but somehow, being between the exploding bottles and potions Paula's work made me feel calmer, not tired. I realized that Paula's house had become my home, something that felt like home.
For a few hours we stirred the pot, cut the herbs, and basically tried not to blow ourselves up. When she finally felt the potion boil at its fitting viscosity, Paula turned to me and asked, “ So, do you have a chance to practice magic just a little?”
“ Yes,” I admit. Then I remembered the keyhole I didn't manage to open without blowing it up, the failed spell that should have made us hard to find. Maybe the monk won't be looking for an intruder if I manage to do it right.
Pounds slumped. If only I could rely on my magic. I need it to find Diana and return her to the throne. I'm sure about that. But my magic just exploded uncontrollably, I could not count on it.
And the magic failed, if I failed, someone could die.
“ However, it does not always work,” I admit sadly. “ Never made it.”
Paula looked up from the pile of unused rods she had been brushing into her hands. He dropped it on the floor, then stood in front of me.
Seriate