Chapter 38

I paced across the bedroom floor for the fifth time.

“Don't bite your nails,” Mhairi said, lying back on a small sofa, a book in her hands. “It won't help. Or make any of them respond any quicker.”

Nodding, I tried to force my hands to hang back by my sides, but it took all my restraint to keep them there. I needed to know who was coming to my unveiling. Keaton had given me his acceptance right away, but the others were taking their time and I couldn't focus on anything else.

“Did you feel nervous too?” I asked. Mhairi put the book down, keeping one finger on the page she'd got to. For a moment she looked thoughtful, not answering.

“Yes, I suppose so. There was less pressure on me. And I adored several of my companions, but my sponsor wasn't... laid back.”

I didn't reply, not wanting to interrupt if Mhairi was about to open up and tell me about her life before. Instead, I settled on the edge of the bed.

“I think I felt most nervous the first night I went out after my unveiling. By then