Adelle shook her head. “No, the coven owns the surrounding properties, as well. There are even a few houses and bars in the Quarter too but that’s for our strongest diviners. They make aliving out there doing tarot readings and the like for the magic-less. There are also a few magic shops that play on souvenirs but in the back, it’s a place for the magical community to buy what we need.” She opened the door to her closet and began pulling clothes out. She threw a couple on her dark purple comforter while I stood awkwardly in the doorway. “I’ll bring you to a few in case you need something for your magic.”
Right. My magic. I didn’t know how I was going to pretend I had it. I could always say I was eclectic like my papa. He could use any magic affinity. But I didn’t know what that looked like either. I’d been so busy trying to fit in that I hadn’t paid much attention to the magic that was actually around me. But if I were to think really hard about it, my parents always had candles, herbs, oils, and many other things constantly on hand.
A few sundresses and some skirts with skintight halter tops. It was nothing like I’d ever worn before. They also weren’t something I would ever pick out for myself. Next, she tossed out a couple pairs of sandals. Some with wedge heels and some were flats. I looked down at my baggy t-shirt and ripped jean shorts. I definitely didn’t look like I belonged around here but I also hadn’t had much reason to wear anything but super casual clothes. I was lucky I’d packed my makeup outside of my trunk considering I hadn’t put it on either.
Adelle planted her hands on her hips. “Anything that stands out to you?”
I puffed my cheeks out and shook my head. I had no idea where to even start. She sighed before she picked up a white sleeveless crop top and a cute short skirt. She pushed all of the items into my arms and then shoved me into her bathroom. The space was not like the rest of her house. There were bonnets, silk scarves, hair products, and makeup everywhere. It looked like a hurricane had come through at a Cat 5. I patted the crazy curlson my head and stared at myself in her gold-framed mirror. What was I going to do with myself?
When I walked out of Adelle’s bathroom I felt antsy. Nervously, I ran my hands down the front of the short skirt. There had never been anywhere back home that I could go that would warrant such an outfit.
“So,” I began. “Am I looking to get laid or have a drink?” I winced as the words came out of my mouth. I didn’t think I wanted to be picked up in the Big Easy, at least not yet.
Wait, probably not at all considering I was engaged.
My eyes bugged out. “Wait, what is my arrangement going to look like with Rune?” I leaned forward as Adelle barked out a laugh. “Are we going to have to sleep together?” The last part was whispered. I couldn’t believe what I was even saying.
“What happens in the Quarter stays in the Quarter,” Adelle leaned back and kicked one ankle over the other. “No one knows about your arrangement with my brother just yet, though the coven is getting suspicious of your arrival. But I also won’t tell if you decide you need to relieve some stress.” She winked. “Or if I need to.”
This didn’t help me at all. “I don’t know what that means.”
Adelle rolled her eyes. “Let’s get your hair and makeup done and then we can talk about your martial expectations with my brother.”
Adelle spunme around in her chair, her hands deftly working through my curls with a mix of hair creams and oils. “Your hair is gorgeous,” she said, her voice thoughtful as she twisted a section into a loose braid. “But girl, you’ve got to tame it if we’re heading to the Quarter. It’s humid out there, and this frizz will fight you every step of the way.”
I glanced at my reflection in the mirror and grimaced. My hair, usually a mass of wild curls, now sat half-tamed, though Adelle’s work was nothing short of magical. “Tame it? I think it has a mind of its own.”
“Lucky for you,” she said with a wink, “I’ve got just the tools to keep it in check. By the time I’m done, you’ll look like you own the Quarter.”
Adelle had a confidence that was infectious, and as much as I wanted to resist her enthusiasm, I found myself starting to relax. She moved on to makeup, she swept color over my lids and lined my eyes with precision that made me wonder if she’d missed her calling as a professional stylist.
By the time she was done, I barely recognized myself. My skin glowed, my curls were sleek and styled, and the outfit she’d chosen somehow managed to make me look confident—even if I didn’t feel it.
“Wow,” I muttered, standing in front of the mirror. “I look… different.”
“Different good,” Adelle corrected, crossing her arms as she admired her handiwork. “Trust me, you’ll fit right in.”
I turned to her, still fidgeting with the hem of the skirt. “So… about Rune?”
Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she plopped down onto her bed. “What about him?”
“What’s the deal?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. “What’s expected of me in this… arrangement?”
Adelle tilted her head, studying me with a grin that made me nervous. “You’re really hung up on this, aren’t you?”
“Of course I am!” I said, throwing my hands up. “I didn’t sign up for this. And now I’m supposed to just… what? Be his wife? Act like we’re madly in love?”
She chuckled, her silver braids swaying as she leaned forward. “Relax, Maple. Nobody’s expecting you to swoon overhim or start popping out babies tomorrow. This arrangement is more about politics than romance. Allies and appearances, remember?”
I sank onto the edge of the bed, letting out a breath. “So we don’t have to… you know…”
“Sleep together?” she finished, raising a brow. “That’s entirely up to you two. Rune’s not exactly the type to force anything—he’s too busy brooding to think about romance. And honestly, I doubt he’s thrilled about this arrangement either. But it will mostly be up to the elders of this coven. My mother and the other oldies that love to keep their ears in everyone’s business.”
“Well, that’s comforting,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair.
Adelle smirked. “Look, Rune’s a good guy, even if he’s a little intense. You might actually like him once you get past his grumpy exterior. And who knows? Maybe you’ll surprise each other.”
I groaned, flopping back onto the bed. “This is a nightmare.”
