The Belles (The Belles #1)(106)

“Any guesses?” Sophia says. “I’ll gift a beauty token to anyone who gets it right.”

Gabrielle and Henrietta-Marie bet on a famous singer. Others list beautiful courtiers who have landed in the beauty-scopes this week.

“She’s here,” Sophia says.

The doors creak open.

We all turn.

My jaw drops when Amber strides in. A jade-green gown blooms around her waist like flower sepals stitched all together. “Ambrosia Beauregard,” the attendant announces. “As you requested, Your Highness.”

“Amber!” My heart fills instantly, and I realize just how alone I’ve really been without her. I leap up, run across the room, and hug her. “I’ve missed you,” I whisper into her neck and hair.

“Me too,” she replies. It’s so good to hear her voice after all this time that I almost burst into tears.

“A nice surprise, right, Camellia?” Sophia says.

“Yes, Your Highness,” I say.

Amber sits beside me. I have to let go of her hand as the food appears, but I don’t want to. I’m filled with all the things I want to ask her, all the things I need to tell her.

The courses appear in rapid succession—savory rabbit and roasted duck and fish, platters of vegetables and salads. I’m careful to only eat after the others have taken bites, and tell Amber to do the same. Amber and I slip into our own bubble. Conversation swirls around us but we only whisper to each other.

“What happened while you were here?” I ask.

“I’ll tell you later,” she replies. “Have you heard from the others?”

“Not for a few days,” I say. “But Edel—”

She nods and lifts her eyebrows with acknowledgment.

Sophia taps a champagne flute. “I have an announcement.”

Conversation at the table stops. All eyes turn to her.

“My dearest lady-of-honor Claudine will be married.”

Claudine drops her spoon in shock. My heart instantly goes out to her.

“I can’t have my ladies rotting on the vine,” Sophia says. “So I’ve decided to arrange suitable mates for each of them before my own nuptials.”

“Who is the lucky person?” a guest calls out.

Sophia clasps her hands together over her chest. “One of my very own cousins. Prince Alfred.”

I grip the fork in my hand so tightly it leaves a chrysanthemum-shaped imprint in my palm.

Sophia puts her hand up. “No need to thank me, Claudine. He noticed how beautiful you are, and we’ve been discussing it. I thought you’d make a lovely match. I did think about arranging you with Lady Walden’s daughter Rebecca from House Lothair, but she was already betrothed to another.”

Prince Alfred stands. He walks to Claudine’s side and drops to one knee. “I’m certain I can make you the happiest woman in all of Orléans.”

Claudine’s cheeks flame red. Sweat dots her brow.

“But—”

“You’re so welcome. You’ll be a princess du sang. We will be cousins.” Sophia pulls Claudine from her seat and hugs her. Claudine is like a statue. Her lips quiver.

“I don’t think I’m ready for marriage, Sophia,” Claudine says when the princess finally pulls away.

“Oh, don’t be silly. You were so devastated by the last person who dumped you. I thought I’d spare you the further humiliation. This way you’re all settled.”

“But, please, Sophia. I need to tell you—”

“Not another word. It’s time to celebrate. I have chosen for you. That is my divine right.”

I spot Claudine’s attendant in the far corner. She stares forward, glassy-eyed and near tears.

“Now, my cousin Alfie can be quite particular about the way his wife should look. He’s been through quite a few.”

Alfred chuckles. The whole table laughs.

“But since we have another Belle in our midst, I figured I’d give you the opportunity to try on a new look. Feel more confident. Have you both choose your forever look together. And for my closest friends to see, in the open, more displays of our lovely Belles’ talents. We should have more exhibitions like the Beauté Carnaval on a regular basis to remind us of their talents.” She rests her hands on top of Claudine’s now-slumping shoulders. “Stand for me.”

“Sophia, I’m happy with my look,” Claudine says. “I’ll just settle into this one.”

“But I’m not,” Prince Alfred says. “I think you could be a bit bigger in your middle section. I like women with curves.”

The table laughs again. Panic shines in Claudine’s blue eyes.

“Let’s be a little adventurous, shall we?” Sophia says. “After all, I’m in mourning from the news about my mother, and I need cheering up.”

“Sophia, please,” Claudine begs.

“May you always find beauty, Claudine.” Sophia pivots back to the table. “Ambrosia and Camellia, please join us.”

“Your Highness, this is highly irregular.” Elisabeth stands. “We cannot have beauty alterations done like this. So exposed. So out in the open.”

Sophia eyes her. “You are dismissed. I didn’t ask for your opinion.”