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I chuckle against Orcus’ mouth and pull back, patting his cheek. “See you soon, grumpy.”
“I already miss you.”
“Father never kisses you like that,” Orana says.
Orcus stiffens, but I shake my head, warning him not to say anything. She’s only a child. Orshana is already handling it with more grace than I ever could.Go,I mouth to Orcus and give his tusks a shove. He takes his leave with slumped shoulders and shuts the door behind him.
Oretta releases a breath. “I thought he’d never leave.”
“He’s anxious,” Orshana defends her son. “Now. Daisy. I know we agreed on the dress, but I found another option you might like.”
I try not to let my panic show. The last time she had dresses made for me didn’t go so well. I’m flattered and honored that she’s been so kind, but she has questionable taste in gowns. Especially the neon yellow monstrosity she takes out of a garment bag. There are bright pink butterflies all over the poofy skirt and there are even poofy arm caps. It’s like the 1980s vomited all over the dress but not in a cute way.
“Well? Do you like it?”
“Um.” I stare at the dress. Orcus said I need to speak up for myself and this is the perfect time, but I’m terrified of offending his mother. She’s been so nice.
“You haven’t even seen the best part yet!” Orshana turns the dress around and squeezes the giant pink ball of fabric at the top of the skirt.
That’s it. There’s no way I’m wearing that. It has a freaking bunny tail.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t like it.” The ogres all stare at me and my heart slams against my ribcage. “It’s very… big… and yellow… and not my style. I hope you’re not offended.”
Orlena tips her head. “You’re saying it’s ugly.”
Nibbling on my bottom lip, I shoot my gaze around the room. “No, I’m saying that it’s better suited for someone else.”
“This dress was custom made for you,” Oretta says.
Crap. Crap. Crap. This is what I was worried about. I should have kept my mouth shut but it’s too late now. Orcus would want me to stand my ground. With a grimace, I say, “I appreciate you having the dress made, but I can’t wear that. I’m sorry.”
Orshana sighs and drops the dress onto the floor. “Well it’s about damn time you said something.”
I grimace, then frown. “Wait, what?”
“We were waiting for you to say what you really think, not dance around my feelings. This dress?” She kicks the yellow gown. “Is ugly. So is the other one you agreed to wear—”
“Hey, I liked that dress,” Oretta cuts in.
Orlena laughs. “Which is why you’ll never be in charge of my ceremony.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Last time I checked you were single.”
“Oretta. Orlena,” their mother says. “Please. This is Daisy’s day.”
“Right. Sorry.” Orlena mimes zipping her lips. Today she’s not wearing her sword, but I’d bet money she has a dagger or two hidden.
“Sorry, Daisy. Continue bad mouthing fashion, Mother.” Oretta rolls her hand in acarry ongesture.
Orshana pinches the bridge of her nose. “You all make me crazy.”
“We didn’t do anything,” Orana whines.
“I know, sweet. You two are my favorite,” Orshana smiles at her and Oraya.
“Mom!” Oretta and Orlena shout at the same time, sounding like a bunch of teenagers. I cover a laugh with a cough and bite my cheek.
“Oh, please. You know your brother is my favorite.”
