Cara’s POV
Melinda spotted me too, likely at the same time I saw her. Apparently feeling no shame, she started to smile.
“What are you doing here?” I asked her. “You’re exiled.”
“From DuskWood, not from BloodyMoon,” Melinda said.
“At least not until Eamon hears about this,” Ruby said.
Melinda turned her cool smile onto Ruby. “Please. I don’t have time for idle threats. I don’t want to be late for my meeting.”
“Your meeting?” I asked.
“With the Princess Competition commission, of course,” Melinda said.
“What could you want to talk to them for?” Ruby asked.
Melinda’s smile grew wider. “That’s private. If you will excuse me.” She stepped forward, purposefully walking between Ruby and I, knocking her shoulder against mine as she went.
When she disappeared into the same room I had jus
