Duchess Marivelle's coastal estate sat atop glimmering cliffs that faced the sea, wrapped in vines of starbloom and pearlfruit trees.
The duchy was breathtaking.
Hanging glass lanterns floated in the air above the cobbled square. Bunting streamed between turrets. Magical lights swirled overhead like falling stars frozen mid-descent. Children ran through bubbles shaped like tiny creatures. Music rang in spirals from unseen musicians, and the scent of roasted nuts and candied cloudberries filled the air.
"It's a dream," Evelisse whispered.
"It's home for the weekend," Seraphina replied warmly.
But Evelisse's eyes flicked to the shadows just outside the festival ring.
There—just for a second—a flicker of movement.
A cloak.
Then gone.
Fluffy's voice was a breath. "I saw it too."
'...Who watches a festival like that?'
"Someone who hates joy."
Lucien reached for her hand as they exited the carriage. "Stay close."
Evelisse nodded. The tiara flickered again.
Not gold.
