I throw off the covers with a start. It is nearly noon. Father didn’t even wake me to feed the chickens. Could he know why I arrived home so late this morning? That I lingered too long with Ren and his music? I still rescued another girl. That is all that really matters. I slip into my pale blue dress and tiptoe out of my room. I peek around the corner to take in the kitchen and sitting room. Father nods off in his chair, a book open on his lap, with Pippa snoring beside him. No hint at all that he is angrily waiting for me to wake up. I snatch an apple off the counter and sneak past Father to the front door. My roses must miss me. I should be sure they have enough water. The door squeaks as I open it. “Kymera? Is that you?” I flit to his side, smiling as innocently as I can. “Well, I see you finally decided to join us. In another hour I was going to send Pippa in there after you.” “Thank you for letting me sleep in, I did not intend to do so.” He reaches out to take my hand.
