“It’s going to be okay,” I say, like I would to any of my patients (even Chuck the groundhog, who gave me a huge scar on my arm when he bit down on me during treatment). I place my hand on her arm.

Tara shrugs it off and bounces harder, and I lose my balance. “I don’t care if there’s a fox in need of saving, even if you’ve known this particular fox since you were in diapers, Devin. We stick to the plan, and none of my friends get hurt. Got it?”

As Olivina could tell this girl, I don’t like taking orders. Particularly from people as ornery as a boar with an owie. But if my friend Fred the Fly taught me one thing, it’s that you attract more flies with honey than with vinegar. “Got it. If you ask nicely,” I say with faux sweetness. “Princess Rule 3: A princess—”

“Is always polite,” Tara repeats and jumps high enough to pull herself onto the plank again.

I stare up at this enigma of a girl. If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that she’s not done surprising me.

[TOP SECRET!]

Miss,

I’m glad to hear you’re safe, warm, and dry! I understand why you can’t reveal your location, but I appreciate you letting me know you’ve found somewhere to hide till all this blows over. Hopefully, Demetris is able to find you again to deliver this letter!

Fairy Godmother Olivina does not seem to be handling your banishment well. We get daily—sometimes thrice daily—scrolls with new rules and updates on school protocol, like:

• All Pegasus Posts leaving RA are now subject to inspection before leaving the castle (which is why I sent this scroll with Demetris).
• All elective classes such as Slaying the Dragon Within, Wand What You Want, The Power of Good Wishes, and Peter the Pumpkin Eater and Other Cautionary Tales have been canceled in lieu of a refresher course in the Royal Academy rules and daily read-aloud sessions from Cursed Childhood: How to Avoid Being a Target for Sleeping Curses and Poison Apples.
• Spot room checks and interviews with Hazel Crooksen are happening around the clock! This morning, poor Beatrice Sanders burst into tears when Hazel scolded her for not matching her silver heels to her jewelry. Then Patrick Monahan was sent to detention for wanding up a batch of cinnamon-sugar cookies in his room when he was supposed to be studying The Prince’s Guide to Winning a Maiden’s Hand. When he told Hazel he thought the book was hogwash, she nearly burst into flames!

I think your bravery in standing up to Olivina is rubbing off on other students, miss. They’re starting to question the classes and Olivina being in charge of every decision about their futures. It fills me with hope!

And hope is something I need right now because I’ve been reassigned in your absence. I am now lady-in-waiting for Clarissa Hartwith. It’s not like me to talk ill of anyone, but she is an acquired taste and a bit demanding. Her last lady-in-waiting quit Royal Academy, so there was an opening. I can see why now. I’m trying to be strong and hold tight till you return. I hope it will be soon!