Read Part 2.
Read Part 3.
Read Part 4.
I winced at Velvet's accusation and Remy seemed shocked.
"What a curious thing to suggest," Yurome responded coolly, standing. She turned and glanced over her shoulder. "You would be lucky to be in my thrall were such a thing to happen."
She left us then in the shadow of her wake and an unmistakable expression of amusement and something else entirely crossed Velvet's face before she rose and followed her. Remy stared after them, unsure whether to stay or go as well and I took pity on him.
"Velvet is in our courting circle," Miette said absently, examining a small fairy cake. “You ought to stay here.”
"Ah..."
His look of confusion turned to radiating gratitude and he occupied himself by gathering up some of our used dishes to bring to the hosts. I laughed at the simplicity of it. Remy was certainly not our ghost for he obviously didn't have an ounce of guile in him.
"But is that true then?" he asked. "Could a ghost truly seem as a person does? For a long time?"
"Not every ghost," Winter said. "But yes, with enough power whether it's their own or from a willing or unwilling source. That is what a manifest is."
Remy seemed uncomfortable for a moment, turning that over in his mind.
"Ah," Winter said suddenly, eyes on the door. "They've arrived."
Remy and I turned to see a small but magnificent figure sweep into the room, pale blue crown of hair and glittering gold dress. They were flanked by a pair of the Crescent company's staff and Remy stood up suddenly.
"Oh! Oh!" he said excitedly. "It's Whimsy, Forest. Do you see?"
"Yes, I see," I replied. It was wasted effort though as he'd already left, making his way to catch a better glimpse of the head of the Goldmoon family.
"Here to preserve her family and company's reputation no doubt," I said conversationally to Winter and Miette. Miette’s uncanny gaze settled on me.
"Among other things," she responded. A suspicion fell upon me.
