Well everyone, another day and another chapter. I feel like today has been jam packed with Libba Bray. I finished Going Bovine (which I recommend to anyone that enjoys sarcastic but touching books) and manged to write this chapter. I hope to get another chapter written tonight, but no promises.

The next few nights spent in the realms were like many others. Felicity spent most her time under the watchful eye of the huntress who had less and less to teach each time they met. On Thursday night they went for another swim in the temperature adjusting lake. There was no more talk of the magic or berries. Instead, Felicity regaled stories of Paris and her childhood. The huntress shared adventurous tales of hunts in distant realms.

"Pippa, I need to tell you something," Felicity practiced in front of her mirror on Friday afternoon while Pippa was otherwise occupied trying to find Brigid to tailor a dress for Assembly Day. "I…I love you." Felicity shook her head and changed her tone. "I love you, Pippa," she said in a sultry voice.

"Pip, you are my best friend and I would like you to be my lover." She sighed and closed her eyes before trying again. "Pippa, you know you're beautiful. But did you know that I love you? Bloody hell! Gather yourself, Felicity!"

Swallowing the gulp in her throat, Felicity tried again. "Pippa Cross, I know you have a knight and he cares for you. But you should know that you have another option. I also care for you…as more than a friend." Felicity smiled a little knowing that at least she was getting better. She did not know when she would find the courage to actually tell Pippa how she felt, but she was confident that it would happen eventually.

"Pippa, I need to speak with you. Alone. Follow me. Do you-"

"Who are you talking to?" Pippa interrupted as she entered the room.

"Myself," Felicity answered, turning away from the mirror and praying that Pippa hadn't heard anything. "Did Brigid fix the dress?"

"Yes. It now fits perfect. My parents will be happy to see me where it tomorrow."

"What's that? In your hand?"

"Oh! I almost forgot. Brigid asked me to give this to you." Pippa held out a small envelope addressed to Felicity.

"That's odd," Felicity mused. "My mother wrote weeks ago to tell me she would not be attending Assembly Day." With another curious glance, Felicity tore open the envelope. The letter was folded once evenly.

My Dear Daughter,

I hope this letter finds you well. I have received news of Assembly Day at Spence. I am pleased to inform you that I will be able to attend this year. I didn't think it would be possible, but just recently I have found a way to escape my duties in order to spend time with you. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Fondly,

Your father

Felicity read the letter four times before actually understanding the words. Her father was coming. He would see her grown up. He would meet her friends. He would meet Pippa. Felicity's head snapped up in time to see Pippa hanging her recently adjusted dress up in her wardrobe. She was humming a quite little tune that Felicity did not recognize. When she turned around, her eyes opened wider.

"What is it, Fee?" she asked in a tone that bordered on anxious and nervous.

"My father is coming." The words tasted so new on Felicity's tongue. "He's coming here—tomorrow." Even the second time around it tasted foreign.

"That's great!" Pippa responded with a forced smile. "It will be nice to finally meet him."

Felicity knew her friend was lying through her teeth, but nothing could wipe the stupid grin off her face. Before she knew what she was doing, Felicity leaped off her bed and barraled into Pippa's arms. Pippa fell back three steps before finding her balance again. "He's coming, Pip. He's coming," Felicity cooed.

"I know," Pippa laughed as she ran her fingers through the hair directly above Felicity's neck.

"I have to tell Gemma and Ann!" Felicity pulled away forcefully.

"They're downstairs practicing their waltzing."

"I'll be right back!" Felicity was gone in a flash as she sped down the hallway and stairs. In her mind she was already planning the dress she would wear and what she would say. Somehow the simple news that her father cared enough to make an appearance at her school filled Felicity with a fresh sense of joy. More than that though, she was content knowing that he had forgiven her for everything she had done to be bad. That was enough to temporarily excite her more than any magic could.