Page 1 of Live To Tell

Chapter 1

VIOLET

“You can't take the tiara. The item belongs to me,” I say coolly, keeping a lid on the collection of insolent words waiting to follow.

Mrs. Lorcan sits behind the desk in her office, immaculate in a gray skirt suit offset by an eye-wateringly lime green shirt. I meet the pleasant smile painted onto her lineless face with a glare.

“You know, Violet, it can be difficult to tell if you’re scowling at me considering you’re usually sullen and miserable.”

“And it can be difficult to tell whether you’re untrustworthy or merely stupid,” I reply as that lid flies off.

“Watch your tongue, young lady. You’re on thin ice already after your performance at the Spring Ball.”

Ah. I received a not-unexpected demand to meet the headmistress first thing this morning, and I'd prepared myself with basic facts to share, ready to give assurances my father would investigate, before retrieving the tiara.

Now, I am sharing nothing as there’s no tiara to retrieve.

I'm already annoyed that nobody allowed me to visit Sienna last night, Mrs. Lorcan even going as far as to ward the infirmary in case I invited myself in. I sat outside that room for hours, constantly refused entry. Rowan waited with me the whole time, occasionally attempting—and failing—to persuade me to leave. Sometime around 4AM, I gave up my vigil and stormed away, ready to begin investigations without speaking to Sienna first.

Now, Mrs. Lorcan informs me she's locked away the tiara and won't tell me where.

The headmistress stands. “If your claim is true and the tiara is yours, Violet, you're implicated in harming another student with magic.”

“Excuse me?”

“A magical attack on Sienna using the tiara. Perfectly plausible since the Darwin House residents do treat you unkindly.”

I choke. “I have no ill intent towards anybody at this academy and nor would I ruin the Spring Ball for Holly. You're perfectly aware of my disdain for other students and I wouldn't waste energy on trivial spells.”

“Trivial?” Mrs. Lorcan's brows tug together. “The poor girl's traumatized. I've the unpleasant task of dealing with Sienna's parents, who're demanding answers.”

I'd like to demand answers.

Still, at least the tiara is no longer stuck to Sienna's head by a curse and therefore recoverable. Somehow.

“Tell me where you've hidden the tiara,” I demand.

“Secured safely, not hidden,” she corrects.

“At the academy?” She gives a tight smile. “And where is Sienna?”

“I haven't hidden her.” I grit my teeth at Mrs. Lorcan's light laugh. “Although I believe she's leaving the academy.”

What? “When? Not before my father's people can interview her.”

Mrs. Lorcan trains a steady gaze on me. “There's no reason for Dorian to involve himself. There're no lasting effects on the girl.”

“How can you know?” I protest. “The incident happened less than twelve hours ago!”

“Sienna has no memory of the incident, nor is she suffering ill effects from her experience.” The headmistress lifts her chin. “If not magic, how would ‘your’ tiara do such a thing to a girl?”

“Well, technically, it’s my father’s tiara,” I correct.

She smiles. “Now that is a sight I can’t imagine.”

“Not one he wears.” I take a calming breath. “I borrowed the tiara for the dance.” Technically.

“Hmm. Your story is changing, Violet.”

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