A knowing gleam entered Eglantine’s eyes. “Well, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how eager the entire court is to meet all of you. Especially you, Cosette.” She winked at Coco in a conspiratorial fashion, and I decided instantly that I liked her. “Look how you’ve grown! You’ve always been beautiful, chérie, but I must say your breasts are an exquisite addition.”

I definitely liked her.

Coco straightened her shoulders in pride—or defiance—pushing said additions front and center as the guards prepared to leave us. To Célie, Elvire asked, “Won’t you sit with us at tonight’s feast, Mademoiselle Célie? We would so enjoy your company.”

Célie blinked once, glancing between each of their hopeful faces, before smiling wide. “I would love that.”

“Excellent.” Olympienne flashed her diamond teeth while Leopoldine unclasped a golden chain from between her breasts, refastening it around Célie’s waist. Sabatay tucked a strand of seaweed into her chignon, and Beau, Coco, and I—well, we all watched Célie become a bird’s nest in unabashed bewilderment. “Until later, mon trésor.”

They left us under Eglantine’s watchful gaze. “Your chambers are just around the hall—one for each of you, of course. Unless you and the human prince would like to share, Cosette?”

Beau smirked as tension bolted down Coco’s spine. “That won’t be necessary,” she said tersely. Angelica turned away to hide her smile behind her hand. “Thank you.”

“Very well. I shall leave you here.” Eglantine halted outside another decaying door. A burgundy curtain had been draped over the threshold, shielding the room from the hall. “This entire wing is completely your own.” She nodded to the other doors lining the way. “Ring the bells when you’ve finished with your wash, and I shall collect you. Might I bring anything else to make you more comfortable?”

Célie reluctantly glanced at her ruined trousers. “Perhaps a clean nightgown?”

“Oh! How silly of me.” Eglantine brushed the burgundy curtain aside, pointing to the tarnished armoire beside a hammock of nets. “Each room has been stocked with clothing of all shapes and sizes, hand selected by the Oracle herself. Consider each piece yours.”

The Green Ribbon

Lou

Coco followed me into the curtained room while Beau and Célie wandered down the corridor in search of privacy. Already, steam curled from a golden tub in the corner. What had probably once been a silk dressing screen stood furled beside it, but the fabric had decomposed long ago. They’d woven seaweed into the panels instead.