I smiled back at her in the small mirror propped on the camping table we’d set up. “You too, Daphne, you look amazing,” I added, not wanting her to feel left out. After our conversation the other night, I couldn’t help but worry about her mood, but she seemed in high spirits. “All three of us are gorgeous today,” Daphne beamed. “Let the menfolk beware! Ours is a power to be reckoned with,” Oriana declared, and we shared a giggle over the pronouncement.“Really, you don’t know how lucky you are,” Daphne sniffed. Uh oh, so much for her good mood… “I hope you make each other happy for the rest of your lives.” “And into the next.” Oriana nodded solemnly, taking up Daphne’s hand in hers. “Have no fear, your happiness lies within your grasp.”“Do you really think so?” That was all it took and Daphne’s mood instantly perked up. “Oh, yes.” Oriana’s face took on a distant cast. “I see it clearly.” Dropping Daphne’s hand, she picked up mine, face clouding in puzzlement. “You are still a jumble to me. Every time I think I catch sight of you, I’m blinded by your shine and I lose you again.”“That’s alright, I think it’s better that way.” I pulled my hand gently out of her grasp. “The better to keep my watchers guessing.” With my life showing up on so many factions’ radar, I was willing to take a bit of unpredictability if that made it harder for them to manipulate my future. “I think we’re about as ready as we’re gonna get,”
