We’d managed to make it back to our guest rooms around one in the morning. I went to check on Fenris before turning in, but his door was locked. I could hear him snoring lightly beyond the door so I decided to leave him be. I’d hoped that a good night’s sleep would lift his spirits, but he and Iannis had been silent the entire dirigible ride home, barely speaking to one another. Apparently, Iannis had gone to talk to him before I was up, and the outcome of the conversation hadn’t been good. Neither of them would tell me what it was about, which pissed me off because, at the very least, Iannis should have told me. If it turned out that he’d been hard on Fenris for his slip-up, Iannis and I were going to have some serious words.

But right now, I was tired of fighting. I’d done more than my fair share, and I still had the outcome of Noria’s hearing to look forward to.

Not.

Snuggling deep into my mattress, I closed my eyes and sank into sleep. I wasn’t sure how long I was out, but it seemed like only seconds before someone was knocking on my outer door.

“Go away!” I grumbled loudly, burying my head under a pillow to block out the noise.

“But Miss Baine, it’s nearly six o’clock in the evening! Please forgive the disturbance, but I have some important things to go over with you.”

I scowled. Important things? What important things? And who the hell was this anyway? I certainly didn’t recognize her voice—she sounded young, around my age, but a lot more innocent. Realizing the intruder wasn’t going to give up, I threw off the bedcovers, then trudged through the sitting room and opened the door wide.

“What do you want?” I growled at the petite blonde standing outside. She wore black-framed glasses and was dressed in a navy-blue pantsuit. Very professional looking, and one-hundred percent human. You didn’t see too many of those in the Palace.

“Oh goodness, it’s so nice to finally meet you, Miss Baine,” the woman gushed, her fresh face lighting up instantly. She stuck out a hand, and I took it automatically, surprised by her enthusiasm. “My name is Nelia Thrase. I’m your new social secretary.”

“Social secretary?” I scowled as she pumped my hand. I yanked it away from her before she tore it off. “I didn’t hire a social secretary.”

“Director Chen hired me on your behalf.” Nelia’s wide smile dimmed beneath the onslaught of my displeasure. “Did she not inform you? I was given to understand…” She trailed off, sounding genuinely distressed. “I assure you, I am qualified and eager to work for you. I used to write for a magazine, and before that, I interned with a local radio station.”