Strike at Midnight(46)

“Only they covered that with the accident,” I said. “Any change in his behavior could be related back to that.”

“We need to understand what Lord Camembert was like before and speak to his wife. We can do that during the two days.”

“According to Sir Raymond, she is supposed to be a peach. Or should I say an egotistical bitch with a poisonous tongue? It doesn’t make sense that someone would be loving towards someone like that.”

“That’s why we need to get more information. To get more pieces to this puzzle.”

“And to give Rella some time to get cozy with the prince,” Melody said. “I can’t wait to see that.”

I ignored her and said, “I also need to hire a witch to see if she can remove the spell from the imposter duke while we’re at the castle.” Rapunzel’s face paled. At least I now knew where the source of her curse came from. “I’ll make sure she’s legit, and someone we can trust,” I added to try and put her at ease. “I’m going to the Inn of the Briar Rose in a bit to see if the owner knows of one.”

Rapunzel nodded. “I’ll come with you. At least until I’m dragged back. I have some time.”

“Great. We’ll head off soon.”

“When do we have to go to the prince’s event?” Melody asked.

“Friday. The invites are going out today and then off we go. I need to sort out some gowns and shit, but I’ll do that tomorrow.”

“Friday and Saturday are my best nights,” she said, but she wasn’t pouting. She was just being practical when she said it, and I knew they were her best nights for tips.

“Marcel should cover it for opening his big mouth,” I said, “but if he doesn’t, the cut you get from Sir Raymond’s payment will.”

“Thanks, Rella,” she said, and I waved it off. She was the one doing me the favor.

“I don’t even know if we’re going to get any closer to finding the duke with all of this,” I said to them both. “But fingers crossed it will bring something to light for his sake.”

“The imposter might be more than willing to speak when we find out his real identity,” Rapunzel said, and I gave her a meek smile.

“Let’s hope so.”





CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Rapunzel has Balls





“I’m sorry we teased you a little bit regarding the prince back there,” Rapunzel said as we headed on foot towards the inn. But she didn’t have to be sorry.

Melody was like a sister to me, and even though she annoyed the fuck out of me half the time, I loved her to bits. But I knew my job was of little interest to her. She would listen when I needed to talk about it, but she would do that about anything. Actually getting engaged in the conversation so we could bounce off each other was different, and it was something I could do with Rapunzel.

It had also been nice to see her laughing with us both because I wasn’t aware of her having any other friends.

She was a workaholic, and even though she had many acquaintances—like me—I don’t think she had a BFF who she could turn to when needed.

“You’re allowed to tease,” I said, not really liking being on the butt end of it. But if the tables were turned I would have done the same. “It’s a friend’s prerogative.”

She looked across at me and I gave her a smile without wincing at the girly talk. There was a contented look on her face, and I was glad she had taken being my friend as a compliment. There were many who wouldn’t.

“Thanks,” she said, and I grimaced at that. She shouldn’t have to be so damn grateful for having a friend. It wasn’t like she was a bad person to be around. In fact, she was the complete opposite, having seen her charm people on many occasions into giving her information. She had a natural presence that made her way with people seem effortless, but she also made an effort not to get too involved. It was a pity, really.

“I’m not going to pry too much,” I said, remembering her reaction to my mentioning of the witch earlier. “But I take it you’re wary of witches.”

She stared ahead as I glanced her way, and it was evident I had touched a raw nerve.

“You don’t need to share—,” I said, but she didn’t let me finish.

“It was a long time ago,” she said, but her tone was cold. “And yes. It was a witch who entrapped me for a while and cursed me forever.”

Entrapped? I hadn’t known that bit.

“There are good witches,” she continued, but it was as if it hurt her to say it. “I’m certain.”

“It’s the power trip they get, I reckon,” I said, moving off onto safer ground. “They just can’t help themselves when they have access to a power many would dream of.”

“I’ve read a lot of texts about them,” she admitted, “and I hear things. People say that those who practice magic openly in adherence to the MLO ruling aren’t really witches. Or they’re very weak ones. A true witch can learn to hone their power so they can use it without spell books and aids to get the magic going, but it’s said that most of them went into hiding or stayed away from the crowds to avoid detection of their magic use. There is a lot of underground magic that happens that we’re not aware of. Or so I hear.”