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Always putting on a show. Always pretending like she cared.
Ambrose knew better but she returned the sentiment.
When they pulled away, Ophelia gave Ambrose a quick once over. The wide cheerful smile turned tense as she held her out in front of her.
“I really wish you would have gone for an orange gown. You know how I love that color on you! Red just washes you out. You look almost sickly!”
Red did not wash her out nor did she appear to be sick. The extent to which Ophelia was obsessed with herself and her own likes was absolutely ridiculous.
“Thank you for your concern but I am feeling quite well.” And she knew she looked like a damn goddess. Her hair had even been smoothed back to a tight twist that hid all the fizziness she normally didn’t bother to tame.
“Hopefully, our guests can overlook it.” Ophelia patted her shoulder, her attention shifting to Burke. “Well, don’t you look good enough to eat!” Her laugh bordered on a cackle.
“Bee here is prepared to sweep you off your feet tonight. Isn’t that right?”
Ophelia quirked a brow. “Oh really?”
“I am simply one of many options, though I do hope you find me worthy of your presence.” He bowed.
Ambrose couldn’t resist, she let out a little scoff that made Ophelia’s lips twitch up. One point for Ophelia right off the bat.
Damn it.
The easiest way to win was to never ever show your true emotions. Getting a reaction out of the other was a guaranteed point in your favor. Ambrose didn’t think she could handle another loss. She cursed herself for being so foolish and promised that she’d do better. She had to.
“I like your odds.” A single red nail trace along Burke’s jawline as Ophelia teased him. As soon as her hand was back at her side she was already on to other topics and gesturing to the room. “Do you like it?”
Seems excessive.
“It’s lovely.”
Ambrose’s attention skimmed over the large bouquets of flowers that had been mounted on the walls amongst the twinkling lanterns and diamond clad chandeliers. The ceiling had clearly been spelled, dark clouds hovering overhead only occasionally drifting to reveal bright sparkling stars.
Tables clad in smooth black cloths zigzagged the room. Tall skinny glasses bubbled with the fizzing liquor Marlux was known for. No one else knew how to party quite like this town. Celebration and death were hand in hand here.
“Did you mean for that to be hung crooked?” Ambrose pointed toward the trailing vines of a green heart leafed plant that moments ago had shifted as a small gust of magic blew its way. But she wouldn’t know anything about that…
“What?” The deep maroon dress that was more lingerie than gown, twisted with Ophelia’s abrupt turn.
Ophelia, one. Ambrose, one.
Queen Ophelia did not need to lift a hand to have the small detail righted. A servant was already moving toward the imperfection fixing it before anyone else could even notice.
“Thank you so, so much for pointing that out.” Ophelia smiled even though the flames within her staff flared with her frustration. “Here, come meet the delightful fellows I’ve been chatting with while I waited for your arrival.”
It wasn’t hard to see the slight dig at Ambrose’s late appearance. Not as if she had a choice on when Burke was sent to retrieve her. No doubt it was Ophelia’s own doing.
“I would love to see what fine specimens you have to offer here in Marlux.” Another fake smile. Another lie straight through her teeth.
“Bee, you’re dismissed.” Ophelia waved him off as if he was not here for her and he disappeared into the crowd, ever her obedient servant.
Why wasn’t he interested in Ambrose’s hand? That she didn’t understand. He would be a king with her as well. They’d both already seen the most intimate parts of each other and Ambrose was certain she would be a much better wife than Ophelia.
Then she had to ask herself…why did she even care if he married her sister? She was happy with Ephram. Wasn’t she?
Yes.
Still, she couldn’t stop thinking of Burke as a dear friend. There weren’t many people she could shield from Ophelia, but he was someone she wanted to protect. Of course, it didn’t appear he wanted protection. That should have been enough for her to let him go.
