Allied

“I do not want people to think I’m nice,” Em said. “I was
trying for less scary, but there’s no need to get carried away with nice.”

“You!” she yelled.

“What’s she doing up there?” Mariana asked.

“I don’t know.”

“That’s . . .” Jovita pointed a shaky finger at Em. “Do you people know who that is?”

A few faces turned to Em.

“Emelina Flores!” Jovita yelled, for those who hadn’t figured it out. “She’s just standing there with you!”

“They know who I am,” Em said. “I’ve been living in the castle for a while now.”