Chapter 15: The Emerald

The king's reception was held in the long gallery, under four hundred candles.

I wore dark blue and no jewels at all.

Alaric stood at my side with his bandaged hand tucked behind him.

The whole court looked at us and pretended not to.

"They are waiting to see if you fall," Maud said, behind me.

"Then they may wait."

Seraphine came in on Edmund's arm at the half hour.

She was in pale gold, with her silver fan.

At her throat there was a green stone the size of a hen's egg.

I knew it before she had crossed the floor.

It was my mother's emerald.

It had been in my dressing case at Wexmoor on the day we arrived.

It had been gone by the end of the first week.

I had said nothing, because I wanted to see where it went.

Now I knew.

"Do not move," I said quietly.

"I have no intention of moving," said Alaric. "That is yours?"

"My mother's. She wore it on her wedding day."

"Then she shall have it back before the candles burn down."

"Let me," I said.

I crossed the gallery with my hands empty and a smile on my face.

Seraphine saw me coming and smiled wider.

"Linnet, darling! You look worn out."

"I am a little tired." I kissed her cheek, and I let my voice carry. "Cousin, what a beautiful stone."

"Isn't it?"

"I have seen one just like it."

"Have you?" Her fan moved. "I'm sure there are many."

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