Being named princess for queen’s ransom is doing the exact opposite of what I want, and I’m furious at Shy for ignoring my request. The whole thing is bringing me out of the dark, shoving me under the spotlight where people can see and talk to me. People yell “hey, princess” as I walk from class to class. Some give me high fives, and others invade my space to give hugs.

The first time it happens, I bristle so hard, the thread threatens to explode from my hand. The second time, I consider tossing the guy over my shoulder but refrain.

“I thought you had to be invited to touch royalty,” I grumble, rubbing my arms from the last too-tight bear hug.

Lennon laughs. “I see you have no problems embracing the title.”

At lunch, I head to the administration office and work up the courage to ask Mrs. Cole if a coin has been turned into lost and found. Today, she’s wearing a bright yellow cardigan that reflects off her face.

“It’s a piece of my grandfather’s collection,” I lie. “I lost it my first week here.”

“Let me see,” she says and dutifully bends to pull a box from under her desk. I hear her rummaging around through the intercom. After a moment, she looks up. “I’m sorry, Miss Silby, but I don’t see a coin.” I must seem miserable, because Mrs. Cole looks sympathetic and says, “Let me take your information. I’ll let you know if anyone turns it in.”

I offer her a smile. “Thanks, Mrs. Cole.”

Once I give her my phone number, I head outside. I’m not feeling hungry, and I’m not in the mood to hang out in the crowded cafeteria even if I do want to find Shy and lay into him for making me the princess.

The weather is nice today, and there’s hardly any wind—an anomaly, I’m told, in Oklahoma. The sun reflects off the white sidewalk, making my eyes water. I keep my head down until I round the corner of Emerson and am in the shadow of the school, but I halt when I find Lily standing a few feet in front of me, staring up at the fire escape ladder on the side of the building.

I hesitate, torn between wanting to talk to her and retreating. I have to be cautious in my friendships, and Lily seems to be linked to everyone who’s ever shown interest in me—good and bad. Just as I start to turn away, her head snaps in my direction, and I’m welded to the spot.