CHAPTER 91 It’s Functional!

Henrietta

I stared at our luggage with wonder. It was like we were going off to war instead of a ball. Our things were loaded into a wagon pulled by an alligator dog lead by Sithli. It was almost overflowing with trunks and suitcases and boxes.

Couldn't everything fit into a magic storage pouch?

We weren't going to be traveling in the wagon, of course. The king of the Dark Enchanted Forest had his own ornate magical carriage, arching silver swirls like fire on an inky body so black it shined. I lifted up a hand, and a distorted reflection copied me in the sheen of the paneling. Instead of a living horse, a black brass construct horse named Fifi tossed her head and stamped the earth impatiently. Steam poured from her nostrils, and her eyes glowed with magical fire.

Keith walked up to me as I was admiring the work of art before me.

"I made Fifi back in my dark past," Keith admitted. "When I enjoyed riding across the forest in full splendor and showing off for my soon-to-be subjects."

I made appreciative noises at the construct, who accepted my admiration with a swish of her mane.

"But this"—Keith reached around me and opened one door to the carriage—"was my mother's. She built it herself, I'm told, when she was a young girl."

"Thank you." I accepted his hand and climbed inside. Everything was inky-black soft leather with silver buttons. The seating was plush, and there was space for two on either side. "It's beautiful."

"And even better," Keith sat down beside me, our legs touching. He reached over me and hooked his finger through a small loop, pulling up a little table that settled over my lap. He enthusiastically proclaimed, "It's functional!"

I couldn't help myself; I laughed. "I do like things that are beautiful and functional."

My eyes fell on his lips, and I was tempted to attack him right there in the carriage. I held myself back—there was time for kissing later. "Do we have everything? How long is the trip by dark enchanted carriage? Who's coming with us?"

"Hold on, let me answer your questions one at a time." It was Keith's turn to laugh. "Sithli and Lilith are coming, and we'll have one night's rest at the border inn before we arrive at Grand Duchess Calisto's estate tomorrow morning. Everything has been double-checked, from clothing"—he shuddered almost imperceptibly—"to antidotes. You have Jacqueline and your enchanted jewelry. I have enough mana potions stored to keep me through an entire day of [Mana Burn]."

"Which you won't need, because you'll be extra careful," I reminded him.

"And I'll tell you if it happens anyway. You can [Resurrect] me if needed," Keith said. "Just like you'll tell me if something bothers you."

I lifted up the table and slipped it back in its slot beside my seat so I could reach out a hand, rubbing it over the spot on his arm that I'd cut with Jacqueline. "Wait, antidotes! I didn't pack the ones you gave me already."

"No matter. I've filled my own storage ring, and I have a gift for you." Keith pulled out a small black ring etched with Venus lilies. He slipped it on my right-hand ring finger. "Here's a Revive potion, a Resurrect potion, Sleep antidote, a Paralysis potion, and a Paralysis antidote. There are also antidotes for Venus lily, shroomdoom, greendeath, corpsewilt, dandyvine, Plittsmouth scorch, dragonsbane, waurg, and belladonna.

"If you get hit by molten ash vane, pour health potions directly on your skin. There just needs to be enough of your body left to [Resurrect] later. You can cut off a limb for me to work—"

"Keith, I'll be fine! I'm more worried about you." I reached up to his face and ran my hand over the short beard on his chin. "I can take a hit or ten; you're a much softer target."

"I'll have you know that no assassins or poisons have breached my shields since"—Keith stared pointedly at Jacqueline—"long before you."

"Then as long as we are prepared, that's half the battle." I blushed, rubbing the handle of my sword.

"Of course." Keith shrugged. "There's nothing saying the assassins in Madame Potts's Cast are after us. Everyone at the Spring Ball is a powerful figure and subject to a few enemies."

I didn't believe that, he didn't believe that, but I nodded anyway. "We'll just take healthy precautions. After Madame Potts's prediction, the perpetrators might change their mode of assault anyway."

"There's one more thing …" Keith rubbed his neck nervously and held up a small button. "I've made this for you …"

I took the plain circle of polished brass and examined it on my palm. It felt slightly warm to the touch. "What is it?"

"It's a tracking construct. It'll allow me to find you with my [Mind Map]. But I don't think you should accept it."

"Why not?"

"My [Mind Map] provides a magical map of anywhere my constructs or I have ever been, and tracks both myself and my constructs on it. If you're carrying this … I'd essentially be following you around on a private mini map, spying on your every move and knowing where you are at all times. It's simply not acceptable behavior from a gentleman, and I don't think you need to be monitored; you're more than capable of looking after yourself." He reached out to take it back but I moved it out of his reach

"You're right; I'll be fine without it. But I'll keep it for now." It was a violation of privacy and respect, but it was also a guaranteed Dark Magician King swooping in to save me if something went horribly wrong. I was only sad that I didn't have a way to track him. Just for this, of course! Not all the time …

A knock on the door of the carriage drew our attention. Sithli's voice came from outside the door. "We're ready to go, Your Viciousnesss."

"Then let us be off," Keith ordered. "We'll have lunch at Thistlecrick; I've heard that Derilla Vane's come out of his diapause slumber."

"As you wish, my liege." Sithli walked back to the wagon and hopped on, signaling the carriage train to start moving. Fifi whinnied like a real horse, though the sound echoed eerily long.

We set forth at a quick pace.

The carriage had more than just a worktable; the seats reclined as well! I'd never been so comfortable in my life as I lay on the makeshift daybed with Keith, chatting about anything and nothing as we sped toward the naga mountain in the north. I was vigilant, but no one attacked us en route.

Apparently, the footpath I'd taken at the first turnoff toward Thistlecrick was not the official road. Granted, the road liked to wander up and down the north facing Great Road at the whims of the Dark Enchanted Forest, so I had no way of knowing.

Elder Clarissa of Clan Lamia was waiting for us at the entrance to the city. She had Marik beside her on the right, and Terra on the left. The other families had sent representatives, but none of the younger crowd I'd met the last time.

I'd have to take the time to memorize the major nobles of the forest. Eventually.

But not today.

Elder Clarissa slithered forward and bowed to us after we exited the carriage. "Your Viciousness, Princess, our master awaits you in the Great Hall."

"Well met," Keith told the woman, taking my hand and sliding it through his. "Lead the way."