Glancing around, she realized she couldn’t speak out in the open like this, so she headed for her lab. In her tight gown, she had to, basically, do a squat in order to pull the key from under a potted lemon tree. She let herself in, her whole body giving a sigh of relief at the familiar scents of Nocturne, shea butter, and chemicals. “I gave my speech, and I think they like my idea.”

“That’s good. Then, why do you sound like you want to put in a mouth guard and go a couple rounds in the cage?”

She smiled. “Because, instead of asking me questions about the program, they wanted to know which designer made my dress.”

“And which one is it?”

“Shut up.” She laughed, and he might as well have peeled three layers of winter clothing off her for all the relief he gave just by being himself. “My idiot ex answered the hard questions, and I got, Have you set a date for the wedding?”

“I’m not hearing anything new. What’s got your panties in a twist, exactly?”

“It makes me sick that I have no agency here. I mean, some of those reporters are women. Can you imagine how they’d react if I interrupted their questions to ask what color lipstick they wore?” She tipped her head back, taking in the glittering array of stars through her skylight. “But you’re right. It’s nothing new. It’s just the way it is here.”

“It’s the way it is a lot of places, but that doesn’t stop women from kicking ass.”

Pretty much what her parents had said. “I’m overreacting. I know that.”

“I didn’t say you’re overreacting. There’s no right or wrong way to react. It’s a shit situation. I guess you just have to sort out what’s important. Did you accomplish what you set out to do?”

“Yes. I did.”

“Then maybe that’ll take the sting out of the douchenozzle taking credit for your idea.”

“It’s not just that. I started to answer a question, and Marcel put his hand on me in front of everyone to shut me up.”

“You keep your sights on the day after the vote, when you kick him to the curb. From that moment on, it’ll be all about your philanthropy. Never about him again.”

“You’re right. You’re absolutely right.” She perched on the edge of her stool. “I want to come back. To Calamity.” To you.

“Your room’s waiting.”

Do you miss me as much as I miss you?

Do you have a hard time falling asleep, because every time you close your eyes you remember that kiss in the dressing room?

Because I do.

“Hurry back, Princess.”

“Where are you off to so early?” Rosalina called from the kitchen.