“I have excellent handwriting,” I told her. “It was the one thing in my academic career Delia Grace praised me for.”

“Oh! That reminds me!” Aunt Jovana stood up and rushed over to a side table. “This came late last night. I didn’t want to wake you. I hope it’s nothing too urgent.” She made a face like she was questioning her choice while I was counting my blessings she’d made the choice she had.

Across the front of the folded paper, the name of Varinger Hall was crossed out, and the words Northcott, Isolte were written beneath it, as that was all anyone at my home had to go on. I didn’t recognize the handwriting.

I broke the unfamiliar seal, going directly to the end to see who it was from. “Nora!”

“Really?” Scarlet asked. “What does she say? I mean, I’m sorry; I don’t want to intrude.”

I looked up from my letter just in time to see Etan walking into the room. The little snake had shaved, and he plopped himself into his chair with a smirk on his face, daring me to say something.

There was a beat of tension at the table as everyone waited for us to continue our fight where they assumed we’d left off. But we’d made our peace, however fragile it might be, and it was time to carry on as best we could.

“I have no secrets from you,” I said to the room at large, hoping Etan took note. I cleared my throat and went to the letter. “‘Dear Hollis, for goodness’ sake, come back.’”

I had to pause and laugh, and it lifted my spirits to see Scarlet smile at that greeting. “‘I don’t intend to make light of things. I know that you have been through something unspeakable, and it’s still unbelievable to me that your parents are gone. I imagine you need comfort right now, and if you were close, I would be that for you. I hope you’re finding it in some way at your family home. All the same, I so wish you were here.

“‘I don’t think I realized before how much joy you brought to the palace. Delia Grace is doing her best to fill your shoes (ah, your shoes!).” I stopped to giggle, but only Mother and Scarlet understood the joke. “‘But she’s no Hollis. I miss your jokes and your laughter . . .’” I had to pause and take a breath. “‘. . . and I hope you miss mine, too.

“‘I don’t mean to take digs at Delia Grace. I think we always knew she was ambitious, but the way she’s wormed her way into the king’s affections has me . . . uncomfortable. She and I are still on speaking terms, and I have you to thank for that. But I worry how things will be if she’s ever queen.’”

“What is it?” Mother asked, taking in the concern on my face.

“Nothing. . . . It’s just, I knew Delia Grace always hoped to be on Jameson’s arm. I wonder what it is she’s doing that would make anyone raise eyebrows. And it makes me wonder about that soldier at the border who said he wasn’t true to her. She had so many plans, knew how to play the game . . .” I went back to the letter.