“Is what I said so awful?” I ask. “Is it even that different from what you would’ve had me say?”

William looks as though he’s praying to the Lord to send him patience. It’s a reaction I bring out rather often in people. “I would have had you say nothing at all, Rose. The content is not the point. How do you think it looks that the crown princess made a public statement on her friend’s sexuality drama?”

“Drama?” I repeat flatly.

“I’m sure it goes without saying,” he says, “that you need to spend some time apart from this girl. At least anywhere you can possibly be seen.”

“There aren’t reporters in Bramppath.”

“No, but there are students, Rose! We don’t know how many of your classmates are fueling these rumors, but we know there’s at least one. And one is all it takes.” I hold his gaze, and he darkens. “Think, Rose. I just came from calming your father down. He wants that girl out of Bramppath. He doesn’t trust you to remain discreet anymore, and frankly, I can see why. I convinced him to hold off while we handle it, but don’t think he won’t ship that girl back to America if it comes to it.”

I force myself to slow down and remain calm. Clearly, pushing back will get me nowhere at present. Appeasement and bargaining may, however, prevent the palace from inserting themselves between Danni and me.

“Okay,” I say. “Just … don’t hurt her. I’ll stay away from her.”

Some of the wind leaves William’s sails. “There’s no need to be so serious. They aren’t going to assassinate the girl.”

“There’s more than one way to hurt someone,” I say.

“Yes, well. I’ve won you one last chance, Rose. I wouldn’t waste it.”

I grit my teeth until my jaw aches, and nod.

They let me return to school shortly after dinner. Molly is on her way out of Dewitt just as I’m about to enter. She’s already changed out of her uniform and is wearing a pair of sweatpants and sneakers, which tells me either she’s not filming anything tonight, or she’s already finished. “Walk with me,” she says, grabbing my arm. “I was about to print something out.”

“That sounds so normal,” I say with a laugh. “It’s strange that normal things can still happen when the world’s falling apart.”

She gives me a sympathetic look. “You know I got sent a petition today? Some random person wanted me to share it, so they can get signatures demanding your parents let you be with Danni.”

I groan. “Oh, yes, that will change everything. Let them know just how many people believe Danni and I are together, in writing!”