“Not exactly. I do have to get back; I don’t like to leave Lettuce too long. But I think there is something to be said for quitting while you’re ahead.”

“They’re good people,” said Nory, noting the sound of pleading in her voice.

“I’m sure they are.”

Nory couldn’t think of a response. She shifted from foot to foot, the pebbles crunching beneath her feet.

“You should go in,” he said. Then leaning down and kissing her cheek, he whispered, “You are beautiful,” before walking away from her.

Nory had hoped that her sexy dress might be enough to override her brother’s romance embargo, but alas, Isaac had remained the perfect gentleman. Not even a closed-mouth kiss on the lips! Did that mean he wasn’t into her as much as she was into him? Had she read this whole thing wrong? Maybe Charles’s comments had sealed Isaac’s decision not to get involved with her. It was so frustrating. You wait your whole life for an honorable man to show up and when he does, he’s too virtuous by half! Why were the gods conspiring against her? Her final thought on the matter was the most mortifying of all: Maybe—and this would be a bitter pill indeed—he just wanted to be friends!

Sixteen

At first, Nory tried to ignore the person shoving her. She was wrapped in the thickest duvet she had ever slept in, and until a few seconds ago she had been in a blissful sleep.

“Nory!” the annoying shover hissed.

She kept her eyes closed and hoped they’d bugger off. It had to be the middle of the night; she could tell through her closed eyelids that it wasn’t light yet.

“Stop pissing about and give her a shake!” said someone else.

“Drip water on her face,” whispered another.

They were not going to leave her alone. And how many people were in her bedroom anyway?

Nory opened one eye. “If the castle isn’t on fire, you can all fuck off,” she grumbled.

“She never was a morning person,” said Pippa.

“It’s not morning!” Nory exclaimed. “And if you’re trying to wake me up, why are you all whispering?”

“Because we know you’re a miserable cow when you first wake up,” said Jenna.

Nory laughed into her duvet. “All right, what do you want?” She pulled her head slightly out of the duvet and opened the other eye. Ameerah was perched on her bed while Pippa and Jenna stood beside her; they were all three still in their pajamas, grinning.

“It’s a full moon,” said Ameerah, close to her face.

“Why do I need to know this?”

“It’s a full moon . . . and it’s snowing,” said Pippa.

Nory was suddenly alert. She kicked the duvet off and sat up, scratching her head.

“No!” she said, grinning.

“Yes!” said Ameerah, jumping up off the bed.