*Freya*
"Planning to torture me, no doubt," I mutter under my breath.
"Did you say something, my dear?" Norah inquires.
"No, no, I was just clearing my throat," I say hastily, clearing my throat.
"Would you like another glass of lemonade for that?" Palladino's voice is solicitous, but from his expression, I suspect he heard what I said.
"No, thank you," I say, holding up the glass in my hand. "I still have some left." I smile at Dashiel and take a healthy gulp.
"Well," Luna Summerton declares as if no one had spoken since her last monologue. "I'm sure even Avalon wouldn't dare leave without greeting his hostess, Norah. I'm positive he'll be here soon. Absolutely positive."
"So am I," Palladino agrees, watching me with a twinkle in his eye. I smile weakly, acutely uncomfortable.
"Of
