“Mira, hurry up,” called a woman from farther out in the courtyard. Tall and graceful, she had auburn hair and a playful expression. Beside her stood a young woman, equally tall and if anything more lovely. Her hair was a shade darker, and she wore combs in it. A younger, shorter girl had long straight hair and a bored expression. She stood with her arms folded and looked a year or two older than Cole. The youngest of the group had to be a couple of years younger than Cole. She wore a plain dress with an apron and had dark, soulful eyes.
Mira gave a little gasp. “No, no, no,” she whispered.
With a start, Cole saw that Mira had long hair and wore an elegant dress. He and Jace were dressed nicely as well.
Suddenly, Cole realized what he was seeing. The women and girls looking toward Mira all bore a resemblance to her. They had to be her mother and her sisters!
“Hurry up,” the eldest daughter said. “It’ll take all of us to convince Honor to come.”
“One moment,” Mira called. She turned to Cole and Jace. Cole didn’t think he had ever seen her look so rattled. She wiped her eyes with trembling fingers.
“It’s your family,” Cole said.
Mira nodded, saying nothing. “I mean, it isn’t really them,” she said, as if trying to convince herself. “But, you know, it all looks perfect.”
“That’s your mom?” Jace asked.
“My mother and sisters,” Mira confirmed, getting a little more control over herself. “Queen Harmony, Ella, Costa, and Tessa. Call Mother ‘my queen.’ It’s the day we were supposed to go to the Fall Festival in Lindenwood. The day Father staged our deaths.”
“Tell your friends you have to go, dearest,” Harmony called.
“They’re joining me until we leave,” Mira called back.
Costa glanced at Ella. “You want better company than us?”
“I like that one,” Tessa said, pointing at Jace. “He’ll protect us.”
“All right,” Harmony said. “Come along.”
Mira’s family waited while Mira, Cole, and Jace hurried over to them. Staring off into the distance, Ella showed no interest in their arrival.
“I don’t believe we’ve met,” Harmony said to the boys.
Out of the corner of his eyes, Cole saw Mira pantomime a slight bow. With a bow, Cole said, “I’m Cole Randolph, a friend of Mira’s.”
Jace bowed also. “I’m Jace.”
“How did you meet my daughter?” Harmony asked, not unkindly, but with interest.
“Their parents are visiting actors,” Mira said. “Very talented. You know how I enjoy the performances in town.”
“Very well,” Harmony said, looking at the boys. “Come with us for now. If Mira likes you, I’m certain you’re not dull, though I’m afraid you won’t be able to join her in the coach to Lindenwood.”
“You wouldn’t want to ride with us,” Mira said. “That coach will end up in the river.”
“Enough nonsense,” Ella snapped. “Mother, shouldn’t Mira say farewell to her friends now? Nori is already making us late.”
“Don’t send them off yet,” Mira said. “I’ll behave.”
“Come along, then,” Harmony said, starting across the courtyard. Ella caught up to her mother. Costa and Tessa followed close behind. Mira went slow enough to let them get a few paces ahead.
“This is when Father takes us,” Mira whispered hurriedly. “In the practice yard while we’re fetching Nori. He brings us down to the dungeon and takes our powers while doubles of us go to the coach and get drowned. I could strangle Trillian for making this part of his game.”
“Should I slip away and look for Honor?” Cole asked. “This is the first place, so I make the guess here.”
“We’re on our way to meet up with Honor,” Mira said. “Could she be playing herself in this delusion?”
“Trillian wouldn’t make it that obvious,” Jace said.
“Who knows?” Mira said. “We should check. Honor wouldn’t play along with a re-creation of this day. If it’s really her, she’ll be acting funny.”
Costa dropped back to walk beside Mira. She wasn’t much taller than her younger sister. “What are you three whispering about?”
Mira gave a weak smile. “Cole and Jace leave tomorrow for a new town.”
“You shouldn’t make friends with actors,” Costa said. “They’re always coming and going.”
“How far to the practice yard?” Cole asked.
Mira pointed ahead. “That door leads to a hall. The practice yard is at the other end.”
“Do we want to go there?” Jace asked.
“If you want to come with us,” Costa said.
“Do we have to keep playing along for them?” Jace complained to Mira, ignoring her sister.
“What do you mean?” Costa wondered.
“I guess we don’t have to,” Mira said.
“Is it smart to walk into a trap you know is there?” Jace asked.
Mira stopped walking. “It all depends where he would hide Honor. Would he put her along the path I took that day or stick her someplace obscure? The castle is vast.”
“What are you talking about?” Costa demanded, raising her voice.
Up ahead, Harmony paused and turned. “Is there a problem?” Ella and Tessa looked back as well.
“I overheard a plot,” Mira replied loudly. “Father plans to capture us in the practice yard and strip our shaping powers.”
Concern flashed across Harmony’s features. “Miracle, what would possess you to tell such a tale?”
“The practice yard is secluded,” Mira said. “Nori will be there sparring against Galin. We’ll try to convince her to come to the festival. Mother will tell her she doesn’t even need to change her clothes and will give her permission to enter the archery tournament. She’ll resist. Then a bunch of Father’s men will capture us. Galin will die trying to defend us with a practice sword. Owandell will be there.”
“I knew today was the end of the beginning,” Tessa said, plucking at a ruffle on her apron.
Harmony took a step toward Mira. “Where is this coming from? How can you know Galin will die?”
“Mother.” Ella groaned. “You’re not actually listening to this nonsense? Guess what you get when you let your daughter play with actors? Tall tales and false drama!”