When it came time to figure out who should be our “Princess Scarlet,” Tara was worried Olivina would spot her from a mile away. Raina was nervous she’d screw up, and I didn’t think I was the best choice either, so we agreed it should be Sasha. Raina has been filling her in on everything going on at school (that she’s learned from the mirror). Now Sasha can speak intelligently on various topics such as the art of sitting like a lady and how to politely excuse herself from a conversation. I’ll admit that last one could be helpful.

I turn back to the pink compact and talk to Brynn. “When the coach gets onto the grounds of RA, Tara and I will make our way to the castle where we’ll meet you. In the meantime, the coach will take Sasha and Heath—I mean Princess Scarlet and Prince Edgar—to the front of the castle to join the processional.” We’ve gone over the plan a million times, but I’m still anxious. What if we get caught? What if we can’t get into Olivina’s office?

Brynn’s smile eases my worries for the moment. “I remember, miss! It will be lovely to see you again.” Her smile fades. “You have no idea how awful it is being Clarissa’s lady-in-waiting. She expects nightly foot rubs because she insists on wearing five-inch glass heels all day.” She leans closer into the mirror. “And her feet smell.”

This makes me giggle.

“Okay, enough chatting. Let’s go already,” Tara says as she climbs into the carriage next to me. She’s unrecognizable in an ivory gown glittering with small, crystal beans and long, black hair that she dyed with a vegetable rinse Corden made. Corden wanted us all to blend rather than stand out, so he said he didn’t go overboard, but I’d say he outdid himself.

“See you soon. And thank you,” I tell Brynn. I tuck Lily into my pocket even though she’s getting too big for it. She’s grown so much now that she’s spending so much time outdoors. Then I adjust my wig (I’m now a redhead), and climb in after Tara, being careful not to rip any of the feathers on my skirt.

Heath, Logan, and Sasha are already waiting in the carriage. Sasha is wearing a bright-green gown that looks lovely with her newly light-brown hair. Heath and Logan have on double-breasted ivory jackets and royal-blue pants that are tucked into over-the-knee black boots. Swords, which I hope we won’t have to use, hang from sheaths at their waists.

“Don’t forget me!” Raina yells before stepping into the coach. We all inhale sharply. She looks splendid in a pale-blue gown that is embroidered with every color of the rainbow. The stitches swirl in an iridescent sheen that travels up to her hair, which is now curly blond and held back by a feather headband that matches her mask.

“You look unrecognizable,” I marvel.

“I know!” She can’t suppress her glee. “I love it. It’s so freeing not being me! And, you’re so right about this, Devin.” She lifts her skirt to reveal purple polka-dot pants underneath. Sasha, Tara, and I have the same ones. “Pants make dresses so much more comfortable! How have I never tried them before?”