CHAPTER 21
Anna handed me an envelope made of soft white paper and sealed with a navy wax seal that had the letter B seared on it. The letter inside, which smelled like amber, invited me to a game night hosted by Lord Byron.
“Why is he inviting me?” I never got invited to any of the court things. I mean I had attended the Blossom Ball to do the spell, but that was work.
“Probably because of the mistress rumor,” Anna said, her hands on her hips. Then she brought one hand to rub her chin as if she was thinking. “I bet,” she added, “it was Lady Jane who made him invite you. She’s wondering who the new mistress is, just like everyone else.”
“I’m not the new mistress!”
“I know you’re not,” Anna said, swatting my reaction away.
“Well,” I breathed, calming my rage, “I’m not going.”
“Of cou
