“She’s here! Let’s go,” I tell Tara, hurrying ahead of her and her stolen (borrowed? lended?) wand.

Brynn lifts her lantern into the approaching darkness, and I see her blue eyes light up as we approach. The kitchen at RA is notoriously busy with dozens of chefs cooking to suit every prince’s and princess’s favorite cuisines. As such, it’s the easiest place, according to Logan, to slip in unnoticed. One of several back doors to the kitchen are open, and I can hear pots and pans banging and people shouting requests. Brynn stands in the doorway, her blond hair tucked into a white cap trimmed with a pink ribbon. She’s wearing her lady-in-waiting apron and uniform. The two of us run to each other.

“Miss!” Brynn hugs me. “You made it safely!”

I give her an extra-tight squeeze. I hate knowing she’s risking her life to help us. The thought of her having to work with Clarissa makes me want to break out in hives. It’s so good to see you. Even if this meeting might get us both wanded to the ice caps if we’re spotted.”

“I’ve taken every precaution, miss,” Brynn says. “I helped Clarissa dress and sent her off to Marta to cover for us with a one-of-a-kind final fitting. All I had to say was ‘one-of-a-kind’ and ‘Marta,’ and she was running, miss!”

I laugh. “You’ll have to thank Marta for me.”

“She misses you. We both do.” Brynn’s face falls. “Clarissa expects me to trim her hangnails and make sure her night masks don’t smudge while she sleeps. I’m so tired, miss, and—oh!” Spotting Tara for the first time, she falters. “Hello.”

“Brynn, this is Tara. Tara, meet Brynn,” I introduce them. “Tara…” With everything that’s been going on, I have no clue how to introduce her, so I just say, “Tara lives at the tree house in the woods you’ve had Demetris bring letters to. She’s been looking out for us while we’ve been banished.”

Brynn beams. “Thank you for taking care of my favorite people.”

Tara side-eyes me. “Yes, well, let’s get on with the night, shall we?” She slips past us and heads into the hallway. Brynn looks at me worriedly.

“You’re not the only one who’s had to endure a cranky roommate,” I say lightly. I quickly update her on Sasha and Logan and how they’re staying behind.

Brynn takes the lead. “I’m afraid you might be too dressed up for the kitchen waitstaff.”

“We’re not guests too?” Tara asks.

“Sorry for the last-minute change of plans, but every guest has been accounted for, and you only made aliases for Princess Scarlet and her date,” Brynn explains. “I thought there might be a few no-shows whose identities you could take, but this is the event of the season and everyone’s showing up. The two of you will be able to get around the castle by posing as ladies-in-waiting who are doubling as waitstaff tonight. Thankfully, I’ve hidden a few extra uniforms in a sack in the bread pantry. You can change there.”