Page 72 of Boy of Chaotic Making

And then everything grew very quiet.

Owein glanced up. Everyone who’d been seated rose, and everyone who’d been standing turned statuesque. On four legs, Owein was shorter than everyone there and couldn’t see over their heads and shoulders. He took a step past the soup bowl, curious, before Prince Friedrich broke the silence.

“Your Majesty, we’re so glad you’re able to attend.”

And then everyone bowed.

A strange shiver coursed up Owein’s legs. He padded softly around the table to get a better look.

“Forgive my tardiness, Cousin.”

“But of course you must take the seat of the table! I did leave it clear just in case, didn’t I, Friedrich?”

Owein grew close enough to spot her. A woman about Briar’s age stood at the entrance to the dining room in the heaviest gown Owein had ever seen, with cream and white fabric and intricate trimmings; long, wide sleeves; a full and sweeping skirt; and a wide collar. She was a brunette, though not as dark as the Leiningen women, her hair pulled back simply from her pale face. Her blue eyes, however, were the exact same hue, and they surveyed the room. Two men flanked her, neither offering conversation nor introductions, but thanks to the distinctive blue uniform they wore, Owein guessed they were part of the Queen’s League of Magicians, likely bodyguards.

As Queen Victoria approached her seat at the table, Owein backtracked to his corner, watching with a strange reverence. Not because she was a queen, not really. Owein had never had a queen before; he’d been born and raised in the United States, albeit before they were ever called that. He’d been a house in the middle of the bay when the revolution broke out, and seen none of it. But Victoria had apresence, for lack of a better term. A presence that made his thoughts slow andcaused those shivers down his legs. Even among the well-bred English aristocracy, Owein wasn’t used to standing in a room with a wizard more powerful than himself. And the English monarch resonatedpower.

The men attending her pulled out her chair, and she sat. They took two steps back at the same time, like it was practiced, and remained there. Lady Helen directed that the dinner should begin, and servants brought out the first course to everyone else. Gradually, like sand tinkling down from the top of an hourglass, conversation built up again, quietly at first, then with growing confidence.

It is good to meet you, Owein Mansel.

Owein froze and glanced at Merritt, who was midconversation with Baron von Gayl. So his attention slid around the room to the queen herself, who delicately ate her soup.

You can hear me?he asked.

But of course. Forgive me, I did not want to stall the meal when I’d already arrived late. And I do think it would be discomfiting to the others for us to be seen sitting in a corner staring at each other for an extended amount of time. How are you enjoying London?

Owein positioned himself in front of his cooling soup but didn’t eat.It’s been fine. Cold. But the family has been good to me.

I’m glad to hear it. I appreciate you and your ... nephew, isn’t it? Taking the time to consider my offer.

Trying to sound regal, Owein replied,I intend to accept, Your Majesty. I would have already, if the revised document hadn’t ... gone missing.

Victoria smiled and stirred her soup.Oh yes, I heard about that. But never mind it now. I intend to review the addenda when time allows. I think you will make a splendid addition to this line. And I have complete trust in William Blightree when it comes to moving your soul. You needn’t worry about it. I just ask that, after you’ve returned home, you be ready at a moment’s notice to sail back. A body can only be kept fresh for so long. In fact, I have an offer for you to make it easier on everyone.

Owein’s ears perked.

I’m sure Lady Helen would be happy to house you, but this is my handiwork, and I will take responsibility as needed. I have a little cottage not far from here that you may take for your own while you await a suitable body. Your caretaker may live there as well, if he wishes.

Owein’s breath fluttered in his throat. Stay, here? In England? But Hulda’s work was in the States—neither she nor Merritt would stay here. And Beth was back on the island. Baptiste, too. He’d be closer to the Druids, though ... but other than that, he’d be alone.

Think on it,she said, and directed her attention to Prince Friedrich on her right, who’d asked her a question.

Owein nodded, though she would not perceive it. Nor did he truly mean it, because he already knew his answer.

He would sign the contract. But once that was settled, he was going home.

“We would be happy to host you,” Queen Victoria said as the servants cleared away the dishes from the last course. “That is, on such short notice, Albert and I will not be able to conduct the tour ourselves—”

“Of course not!” Lady Helen interjected, reaching across the table toward Victoria. “We would never expect you to.”

Victoria smiled patiently. “But you are welcome to Buckingham Palace. I always welcome family, present and future.” She glanced over at Owein, offering a subtle wink before standing. “Thank you so much for your invitation, my dear. I’m afraid I cannot stay for any entertainment.”

Lady Helen jolted to her feet and curtsied. “We were honored to dine in your presence again, Your Majesty. Please take care and travel safely.”

Victoria smiled and said her goodbyes. Then, out loud to Owein, added, “Until we meet again, Mr. Mansel.”

The queen’s departure was a scene, with the Leiningen family and guests trotting behind, getting their last words and compliments in as Victoria picked her way to the door. It took long enough that Owein was glad for her late entrance. They’d still be on the second course, otherwise.

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