Page 19 of Boy of Chaotic Making

The footman from before stepped into the dining room. “Lady Cora Karoline of Leiningen,” he announced, and stepped aside.

The girl who walked in took after her mother—she was short and well dressed, with a pale complexion and dark-brown hair carefully curled and pinned. She had the slightest bit of childhood left in hercheeks, but the rest of her had started the ascent into womanhood. She held herself well, straight-backed and with her hands clasped before her, shoulders squared, chin lifted. The stance, in all honesty, reminded Merritt of Hulda.

That’s her?Owein asked, peeking around Merritt’s chair.

Merritt nodded. It was easier than working around the tightness communion had left in his throat. Blightree stood, reminding him that he should do the same, and her parents rose as well, all in respectful greeting. Cora curtsied, then crossed to the seat beside her mother. Another footman pulled out the chair for her.

Farm boy married to a princess,Merritt said.

Owein didn’t reply. His eyes watched Cora.

“Cora,” Prince Friedrich said, “this is Merritt Fernsby and Owein Mansel, come all the way from Rhode Island to meet you.”

Cora nodded. “How do you do? Thank you for your time and effort. I hope the trip was gentle.”

“Uh, yes,” Merritt rasped. He cleared his throat again, but it did little to help. “Forgive me, I’ve been using communion.”

With a family so indoctrinated with magic, he needn’t explain further. All of them just nodded with understanding.

“As I was saying,” Lady Helen continued, “we do have alteration in the family line; Cora specifically inherited the ability to alter color, which will mesh very well with Owein’s magic. She also has air movement, infliction of pain—don’t worry, it’s moderate and never used—conjury of stone, luck, and spell-turning. There are actually both alteration and chaocracy further up the family line. Who knows—perhaps they will come about again!”

“Of course,” Cora’s father interjected, “there would be no union until she was eighteen. And until Owein was eighteen, depending on the age of the host.”

Merritt studied Cora’s face as her parents spoke, but her expression remained unaffected. She maintained a demure quietness. Merrittcouldn’t blame her. What would he think of all of this, were he in her position? In Owein’s?

The latter was easier for him to piece out.

“The contract could be drafted tomorrow, with revisions as necessary,” Blightree said.

“Perhaps,” Merritt pushed in, raising a hand as though he could halt the procession of wild ideas, “we give it a fortnight. Give Owein, and your family, time to mull over the idea. Ensure the two ... suit.”

“Yes, it’s all a bit to digest, isn’t it?” Lady Helen sounded apologetic. “And after such a long trip, too. But of course, we should see how they suit! This is a large step; all parties need to take it into the deepest consideration. I seem to have exhausted my manners!” She rose from the table. “A fortnight can easily be spared. For now, rest. Let me personally see you to your rooms.”

“The housekeeper can do that, love,” Prince Friedrich said.

She shook her head. “I insist. Unless ... Cora, do you have any questions?”

Cora smiled kindly. “It’s all been explained thoroughly, thank you. It’s nice to meet you, Owein.” She nodded to him.

Owein, head barely able to see over the table, nodded back.

“Excellent. This way.” Lady Helen gestured. Merritt pushed back his chair and followed, Owein slow to copy him. His eyes remained on Cora until he’d passed into the hallway.

What do you think?Merritt asked as they continued to follow Lady Helen.

I want to sign the contract.

Merritt pressed his lips together.The contract would involve you gettingmarried, Owein.

The dog leveled his stare as much as he could.I’ll marry a toad if it means getting my body back. Orabody back.

Merritt rubbed warmth into his hands.Nothing is legalized yet. Marriage is a big—

I don’t want to die.

That sentiment had Merritt tripping over his own heels. “What?” he asked aloud, voice a whisper.

But Owein didn’t respond, physically or through their magicked connection. Merritt reached down for him, stroked the top of his head, but no more words came.

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