“Where is your mind?” The blue eyes narrowed. “A handkerchief would be impossible to find.”

            “I must try. It was a gift from the Queen.” Mirella tried to pull away but Bresca’s grip held. Bresca had never hidden the fact that she resented sharing her bedchamber with a girl of no lineage and, indeed, Mirella hadn’t minded. The distance spared her most of her snipes and sarcasms. Now, of all times, she clung to Mirella like a vine.

            “You’ve got a secret,” hissed Bresca. “I can see it in your eyes.”

            “I do not,” Mirella wrenched back her arm, the movement throwing both of them off balance. 

            They stood inches apart from one another and glared.