Hekkity Broomhead was no fool. She knew something had gone on between them. She didn't know what but knowing it was enough.
Constance would have died of mortification if she'd been forced to tell her. Not because she was ashamed of it but it was too precious for her to reveal. Miss Broomhead wasn't above using personal information against someone. She tuned her tormentor out as she tried to worm her way into her brain, feed upon her doubts, claw out her common sense. The drip of poison wasn't working anymore. Ada had become her lucky charm
They had ended up far closer than they had intended. Having expressed the desire for company, something so unlike her usual inclination, Ada had invited her to her own room and they'd shared the double bed with plenty of space to spare.
'I've never slept in a double bed.'
'It was booked by mistake.'
Ada promised her a room of her own with a double bed at the castle. She admired Constance's hair, like a waterfall of jet silk. Constance should have felt awkward unpinning her hair in front of a stranger. She'd never unpinned her hair in front of anyone. But Ada didn't feel like a stranger.
'I can't wait to see Morgana again.'
'Your familiar?'
'She's the best company.'
'I feel that way about Pendell. Spoiled brat. I love him to bits.'
Constance allowed herself a smile at the thought of Ada lovingly tending to a soft black cat. She wondered if their familiars would become friends. They'd talked a lot that night. About the school, about Broomhead (Constance dropped careful hints) and what opportunities working at Cackles could offer her.
A few more days. That was all. She steeled herself against Hekkity Broomhead and endured the last of the bruises. It would be over soon, she thought as she was struck across the face, a reflection of how infuriating the situation was to her mentor. Resisting the urge to rub her cheek, she turned her head back and stared at the other woman in disgust. Broomhead was losing control and for the first time, Constance saw a shred of her losing her nerve. It wouldn't do to smile triumphantly. She'd pay dearly for it.
Ada was horrified on hearing this. A spark of anger reached her eyes. It should have looked wrong on her but Constance thought it looked better on her than it did on Broomhead.
'No. No, I'm not having this. I'm coming to get you tomorrow. I'm not waiting for the end of the week.'
'It's only another few days.'
'All the better to catch her by surprise. Be ready for 10 o'clock. If I have to duel her myself, I will.'
Constance had never been so flattered.