She didn’t know how, though, since she literally couldn’t give him the time of day. Hazel wrinkled her nose like she did when one of the orphans ate something off the floor. Gwen looked resigned. Neylan shrugged. Everyone tiptoed around Mother this time of year. Lily had to find a way to get rid of Runson somehow. “Wait,” Melantha said. “You want a date with Lily, just like Prince Holic?” Lily caught the emphasis on just. Oh, she hoped Melantha was planning what she thought. What a wicked, wonderful girl. Runson raised his chin. “Yes, just like the prince. My family connections are as good as his, and I’ve know Lily far longer. And I’m an Iturian, not some foreigner.” Coral pushed away from the counter. “Mother’s an Oshan, like Holic.” Lily swallowed a laugh. She needed to get the girls to bed before they got themselves in trouble.
