Chapter summary
Chapter 11
Evie endures a jarring carriage ride, still feeling the lingering pain from her ankle and a magical scar hidden beneath her dress. The Villain, silently steering, engages her in chat about his pet frog Kingsley, the pursuit of magical animals, and the importance of keeping a weapon on hand. He finally turns to her, smiling slyly, and reveals his personal name as Trystan Maverine, explaining that he can blend in as an ordinary noble if seen. Their conversation turns tense as Evie questions his motives and the recent bomb incident, but Trystan remains calm, offering a begrudging courtesy.
When the carriage arrives at Evie’s modest cottage, Trystan steps out and follows her to the front door. Evie’s ten‑year‑old sister Lyssa bursts onto the scene, covered in dirt and excited by the arrival of a “fine carriage.” Lyssa curtsies, mistakenly introduces Trystan as “Trystan Maverine, my elder sister’s employer,” and launches into a humorous recounting of Evie’s past falls, including a well incident involving a bird. Trystan responds politely, exchanging a few light‑hearted remarks about being a prince and about the name “Fluffy.” The siblings exchange awkward banter, with Evie accusing Trystan of revealing his true identity to a child before telling her.
The dialogue reveals that Evie’s father is out drinking with friends in the village, and that her family’s finances are precarious. Trystan observes the tulips and clotheslines, noting that no one knows his face, and jokes about being seen. He also mentions that other pursuers in the forest were after Kingsley, a valuable magical animal, not after him.
After a brief, strained farewell, Trystan pulls his black glove back on, wraps his cloak tighter, and announces he cannot stay for dinner because “there is much work to be done.” He indicates that the next task will not be in the office but “in the field,” specifically at the Redbloom Tavern at eight o’clock the following evening. He explains that the bomb that exploded in his office was built by a watchmaker who now runs the tavern, implying that the investigation will focus on retrieving the assassin’s device. Evie, still angry but resolute, agrees to meet him tomorrow night.
Trystan departs, the carriage rolls away, and Evie watches it disappear as rain begins to fall, a foreboding omen for the upcoming mission.