Huffing out a breath, Luci picked up the basket and tucked it under her arm. Luckily, Calcifer was a predictable sort of cat. It was about noon, which meant he would be sunbathing on the large windowsill that overlooked the front of the manor, having just finished his lunch. Sure enough, sprawled on his back with his paws curled up close to his body, legs stretched, the great orange beast was purring contentedly.
It was astounding that Brielle should want to leave the clockwork of Blythe. Every moment and every incident is written in perfect surety. The same routine every day. No mysteries or chance for scandal. Just the sweet aroma of strawberries and reliability. There was nothing better to be found in the hills and mountains of Meridea.
Everything they needed was right here.
“Sorry to interrupt, but turns out we're going on an adventure,” Luci said, setting down the basket next to Calcifer.
The cat cracked one green eye open and eyed Luci like she was a troll come to offer him a one-sided bargain. It was probably accurate enough.
The nice thing about Calcifer was that he was either too lazy or too ginormous to fight when manhandled. So though his purring ceased and his eyes were wide, he didn’t try to run when Luci scooped him up into one arm and grabbed the basket with her other hand. In fact, aside from an audible wheezing that said he was distressed, the cat was remarkably still as she walked him towards the carriage where Brielle was already seated, and Prince Ira waited at the door.
Those dimples were on full display as he watched Luci struggle with an overgrown cat and the basket. At least he had the good sense not to save the day.
“Would you prefer I relieve you of the cat or the basket?” he said, meeting me halfway.
It was tempting to kick the gravel below her feet, but somehow she managed to show restraint. Either way, she made a point to step around him, ignoring the ache in her arms that begged for reprieve. What she was not going to do, though, was give the prince the satisfaction of rescuing her. After all, this was all his fault on every level.
His chuckle grated along her skin, but Luci ignored him as she reached the carriage.
“Calcifer!” Brielle called.
She reached out and took the beast, pressing kisses to his cheeks and head. There was no objection from him, and in fact, when she set him onto her lap, he resumed his purring symphony lulled by Brielle’s pets. He did, however, reserve a glare at Luci for the inconvenience and disruption of his schedule.
“Don’t look at me, it’s her fault,” Luci said, hopping into the carriage.
She settled across from Brielle and calculated all the reasons this was a terrible idea. To begin with, a pale sheen collected over Brielle’s face, and her bright eyes held a glaze to them.
“Change your mind.” Luci pleaded.
True to her nature, Brielle winked at her and shook her head.
“No, thank you, I’m quite determined,” she said.
Luci groaned and settled back into the plush seat, resting her arm on top of the wooden lid of the basket. If Brielle was determined on this course, then at least Luci would be there to make sure she took her tonics and rested when she needed.
“Would you like a sleeping tonic for the ride?” Luci asked.
The answer was a roll of Brielle’s eyes. Stubborn.
“All right, that should do it.” Prince Ira said.
This carriage wasn’t big enough. Being stuck inside Blythe was one thing, but spending the next hour in his company was unfortunate to say the least. He slid in and settled next to Brielle, patting Calcifer’s head gently. The cat didn’t bother to open his eyes, now soundly asleep.
“He might be the largest cat I’ve ever seen.” Prince Ira said, closing the door and tapping the side.
The carriage lurched to life, and Calcifer’s eyes popped wide open, flicking back and forth. Brielle’s giggle was an evening breeze as she leaned down and buried his face in his fluff.
“It’s all right. Just a little ride,” she murmured.
A small protest of a mew broke from him, but when he was certain the world was not going to implode around her, he settled back into her lap, tucking his paws beneath him.
“He’s a menace,” Luci said, clicking her tongue.
The truth was that Luci was very fond of the little miscreant. He was good-natured and eager for company. Not to mention, he made Brielle happy. Maybe that was how she would view Prince Ira in time.
She eyed him while he petted the cat, smiling down and exchanging words with Brielle about Calcifer’s softness and demure nature. Brielle’s smile lit up her too-pale house while she regaled him with the time Calcifer walked by a candlestickand lit his bottom on fire. The two of them seemed to be always laughing like life was meant for levity and joy.
He was everything Luci would have picked for Brielle if she could have. If she was forced to share her friend, Prince Ira was more than she could have asked for. Kind, thoughtful, with an easy laugh. Still, he was too perfect. It felt like a facade of sorts, a mask.