Jessamine A month later... One more hour, and I'll be with the council. I can totally wing this and not throw this boiling hot tea in their faces. Why father saw the need to include tea parties in my schedule is a mystery to me. He thinks I need more friends. He thinks I'm depressed. I have no idea why he thinks that. I'm doing well. I've been great. I have excelled in every part of my training, except for one. Shifting. I'm a terrifically quick learner, the scholars said. Bored is what I was. Eager to get out of my head and far away from my thoughts, I'd stayed busy the whole time. Learning what I could of every and anything. Seeing my progress has Father pleased. He's never pushed or forced me to make decisions I don't want to. He just watches and gives his approval. Saying I love

