I wake up.

  They’re both still asleep.

  I slip out of bed quietly and head out to get breakfast.

  Just before I reach the kitchen, I spot Shanon down the hall. She notices me at the same time and raises a hand. We walk toward each other and stop a few steps apart.

  “So,” she says, smirking, “what have you guys been doing in there? When I listened, I didn’t hear any moaning. If you need help in that departm—”

  I clamp a hand over her mouth.

  Her eyes go wide.

  I bend down, pulling her with me, and gesture for her to lean in. When I let go, she does. I activate Encrypted Speech with my left hand.

  “We’re saving that for the honeymoon,” I whisper. “We’re discussing very private, very important matters. Get your mind out of the gutter. Aren’t you a lady?”

  Her expression shifts. She understands—or at least, I hope she does.

  “If I catch you eavesdropping again…”

  I slowly drag my thumb across my throat.

  “Execution.”

  I give her a thumbs-down.

  She flinches.

  Good.

  I order breakfast and collect it.

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  She’s still standing there.

  Did I petrify her?

  I place a hand on her shoulder. She jumps like she’s been shocked. I grab her arm before she bolts.

  “It’s just a figure of speech.”

  I let go.

  She runs.

  …What about your breakfast?

  I shrug and head back to the room.

  They’re still asleep.

  Safe.

  They’re both still dressed, so at least yesterday won’t repeat itself.

  I set the food down, pull out my diary, and start writing.

  It’s unsettling, letting someone else read your innermost thoughts.

  Shanon seems to think we were… doing things. I probably scared her a little. I’ll have Roka and Felmina smooth things over later.

  I’m going to see the head assistant today. I need to remember what happened. Something important is missing. Even if it gives me another headache, I need answers.

  I hear movement behind me.

  They’re waking up.

  Eventually, we sit down and eat together. Felmina is already wearing makeup. Roka still doesn’t care.

  “So,” I say, “any questions? Before that—can you cancel your plans for today again?”

  “We already did.”

  When did that happen?

  Roka yawns. Felmina stretches.

  “We still need to talk about the future, dear husband,” Felmina says. “Right, Roka?”

  “I guess.”

  Roka yawns again, rubbing her eyes.

  “I had some questions, but I want to read on my own first,” she says. “I’ll make notes and ask you later. Is that okay?”

  I nod.

  “And you, Felmina onee-chan?” Roka asks.

  “I’ll pass.”

  “Oh—before I forget,” I say, “can you two talk to Shanon for me? I think I gave her the wrong impression earlier.”

  “What kind of impression?”

  “You can read my last diary entry when I leave.”

  “I get embarrassed reading about myself,” Roka says. “Wouldn’t you agree, Felmina onee-chan?”

  “Yes.”

  She pauses.

  “Oh—what did you mean when you said you don’t remember that night?”

  “I’m seeing the head assistant today to find out.”

  “I… see.”

  She hesitates.

  “Will we be spending the night together again tonight?”

  “I mean—if you want to—”

  She interrupts me. That’s new.

  “I think we should. After your meeting, we’ll both be here. I have a feeling you’re going to need it.”

  That unsettles me more than I’d like to admit.

  I stand.

  “Well then… I’m off.”

  “Bye,” they say together.