Page 94 of The Hocus Pocus Handbook

The other one shakes his head. “Can you imagine? Leifan has been run ragged all day, carrying messages between factions.”

“I’m surprised they trust her.”

“Winter doesn’t. But Lady Mirralee is well respected in Springtide and beloved of Summer. Do you think anyone in the Winter Court knows Zeph’s true identity?”

True identity? What does that mean?

“They’re so impressive,” the first brownie says with a dreamy sigh.

They turn toward the kitchens, and I can’t follow without attracting attention. If only I could send my spiderlings—but no, better not.

I consider what I’ve learned. Lady Mirralee must possess critical intelligence about Zeph, and since she knows, her staff has ferreted out the secret. This is likely why Zeph has been so reluctant to disclose the entirety of their plans. As long as they don’t reveal all the moving parts, it’s impossible to derail.

Much as I hate to admit it, they were correct to be cautious, as they could have been overheard. As long as we were traveling in the open, unable to set up an infallible, soundproof shield, it was best to assume that others might be eavesdropping. Somehow. I lived with constant surveillance, resorting to all manner of trickery for a moment to lay my own snares. Not that I’ll use any of those preparations now.

Regardless, whatever Zeph’s scheme, I hope it deals Liskaal a debilitating blow.

As I explore, I search for Thea, but she’s nowhere to be found. No news from the rest of the group either. Though I saw Taragon earlier and I made a point of locating the gnome, I haven’t encountered Rosa at all. Zeph has made themself scarce as well. In the course of my wanderings, instead of running into the woman of my dreams, I find her father outside the reading room where I met with Govannon.

Mudge greets me with a pat on the back. “You have my gratitude and goodwill for keeping my girl safe.”

“I was lucky to be with her. In our travels, she saved me more than once.”

“I’m not surprised,” he says with a beaming smile. “Thea is a treasure. A treasure! It’s pure madness around here, isn’t it?” he adds, glancing around at the palace staff rushing past in all directions.

“They’re preparing for the quorum tomorrow night.”

With representatives from all four houses present, the pressure is high in Autumn to host an advantageous event and succeed where Winter failed. That would be a feather in Lady Mirralee’s cap. And Liskaal will be furious, humiliated beyond all bearing.

I cannot wait.

“Do you know what Zeph is planning?” Mudge asks.

“I wish I did. They’re irritatingly secretive, even when it would make sense to gather allies or accept assistance.”

“They might have good reasons.” Like Thea, Mudge is prone to thinking the best of people and giving them the benefit of the doubt.

With an example like his, no wonder she grew into such an incredible person.

“Possibly.”

“Well, I could stand to get away from the hustle and bustle. Could I interest you in getting a drink? We could sneak out!”

“Do you have a destination in mind?” I ask.

“Right as rain, I do. A kitchen brownie told me about a place in the village, and I can’t wait to taste their honey ale.”

I surprise myself by nodding immediately. “That sounds good. Let’s go.”

Mudge has already learned Autumn’s hidden ways, so I follow him. If I employed magic, I could siphon secrets too, but Lady Mirralee might view that as treachery and deliver me to my cousin’s judgment. I won’t make it easy for Liskaal. Never again.

It doesn’t take long for us to slip out of the palace, and soon, we’re in the village beyond the reach of foxy nobles and wily royals. Unlike Winter, the area surrounding the palace is well-kept, clean streets and thoughtful greenswards. Mixed buildings—some wood, some stone, and some formed of mounded earth with flowers growing on top—make up the artisan district.

We pass through a night market, where hanging lamps cast a golden glow over handmade wares and necessary sundries, but only a few stalls are open at this hour. It reminds me of the time I spent shopping with Thea as we searched for Taragon. Back then, we thought we’d need her silver tongue for persuasion. In hindsight, I can’t believe I didn’t guess that Zeph was responsible for the way our luck soured. Though I was suspicious, I imagined that sprang from my chary nature, not their irrevocable guilt.

“Something on your mind?” Mudge asks.

“Just battling some regret for being foolish.”