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There was no response, but her deep, steady breathing resounded in the quiet of the night.
Chapter Seven
Zoei
When Olympia left the first time, disappearing onto the balcony and reappearing half an hour later, I didn’t think much of it. Perhaps she needed time to gather herself after our little dance. Not everyone could be calm under pressure—it was a trait that was bred into the best of us.
Hypervigilance was another prized trait, especially around people I didn’t trust.
When Olympia returned, my gaze followed her around the ballroom from the vantage point of my private booth, watching as she spoke to her stately betrothed and touched the omega’s arm in a familiar way. My jaw tightened at the evidence of easy intimacy, and a rush of something ugly fired my veins. I tamped it down, willing it away in the presence of the Seventh Star’s most notable public figures.
A practiced smile was on Olympia’s lipsalways, as though she were ready for a photo opportunity should it present itself. Most would find the facade warm and welcoming, but I knew better.Thatwas the smile she plastered on her face when she was uncomfortable—she’d done it often enough as a child.
My eyes bore into her back as she leaned close to whisper something into her betrothed’s ear, earning her a nod and a smile.
“Zo?” Pyke tugged on the damn sleeve of the restrictive jacket, turning my attention to them. “Brought you some whisky.”
I glanced down to find a crystal glass filled about halfway with a large cube of ice.
“No, thank you.”
Inebriation would only slow me down.
“Well, in that case, Mama has a message for you,” Pyke said. They took a deep sip of the whisky and grimaced at the burn.
“What is it?” I asked, glancing over Pyke’s head to watch Olympia laugh at something one of my council members said.
“Mama says stop staring at Olympia.”
“Huh?”
Only half-listening, I tugged on the top button of my shirt, wishing I could undo it to drag in a proper breath.
A small hand landed on my forearm, squeezing lightly. I glanced down to find Pyke studying me with concern in their eyes. The jeweled crown that adorned their head was starting to tilt.
I reached up, adjusting the gold circlet so that it sat properly on their braids.
“Zoei.” Their voice had taken a surprisingly serious tilt. “Why are you staring? People are starting to talk.”
“Staring?” I chorused with a scoff. “Don’t be dramatic.”
“Dramatic!” Pyke coughed over a sip of whisky. “I’ve seen you hunt with less precision! You’ve been following Olympia around the room like a predator for the better part of an hour.”
So?
I hadn’t realized I’d said the word aloud until Pyke blustered.
“So?” they repeated. “Soyou’re in public, Zo! This is your coronation. People are watching your every move.”
“Let them,” I grumbled, feeling my teeth clench as Cryssa leaned close to feather a kiss to Olympia’s flushed cheek.
“Breaking news: Crown King lusts after fellow royal,”Pyke parroted like a news reporter. “Alpha affair shocks kingdoms.”
“I amnotlusting,” I interjected before they could continue this ridiculous line of conversation. “I am merely observing a long-lost friend.”
“That isnothow one looks at a friend,” Pyke chirped. “Friendsdo not inspire the bit of drool that has been clinging to the corner of your lips since Olympia Summerstream walked through those doors.”
“I donothave—” I swiped at my lips as stealthily as I could manage. My fingers came away dry. “Damn you, Pyke! You’re a lying little shit.”
