Kester Grant

Ettie climbs into the bed after the maids have come to help us out of our gowns.
She looks at me thoughtfully.
'' Don't worry'', I tell her. ''I--''
'' I think he likes you, '' she says.
'' What? ''
'' The prince. I think he likes you. ''
'' Ettie, you think everyone likes me'', I say shortly.
'' It's true. Montparnasse also likes you''
That takes me aback. I stare at her for a whole minute before I find my voice and choke out,'' Don't be silly! Why would either of them like me? ''
'' Because you're brave and clever. '' She grins '' And because you slapped him. ''