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Lights flashed across the stage. I adjusted the feathers and bow in my hair, holding my breath. All I could do was hope that everything would go to plan.
I wore a long string of pearls, white gloves, and a white corset with silver stars on the fabric, and a fringe along the bottom. I had my glitter-guns with me, tucked into my vest.
Not that they would be any help for anything other than making the stage sparkle.
All I had to do was perform like it was any other night. Madam Moonie had announced that I had been found, and that I was ready to open a new show. We were certain that the ambassador would show, because according to everyone, he had a crush on me.
I felt nauseous thinking about it. It made me wonder what might have happened if Raider hadn’t shown up the night he did. Would his brother have tried to talk to me?
I pushed the thoughts away, steeling myself. I had to go on. I would start the show, start my number, keep him distracted while Raider snuck into the saloon. Then, he could challenge Rider to a duel.
For the first time, it wasn’t nerves that I felt. I didn’t hear my mother’s disappointed voice, I didn’t feel a stab of pain or worry.
I only felt determined.
The main goal was to get a confession out of Rider. Then, we could clear Raider’s name. Once his name was clear, the two of us could finally be together without fear.
Hopefully all without a duel.
No more hiding.
I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of what it would be like to be together. We’d plan everything more extensively, but I knew he was open to traveling.
I loved the idea of being on the road together, and then coming back home here. He knew how much performing meant to me.
Like I told Stella, we’d find a way to be happy if we had the opportunity to.
I could hear the audience, even bigger than any of our other nights. The excitement of a kidnapped performer certainly added to their interest.
I glanced to stage left, seeing Madam standing there. She held a microphone to her bright red lips, giving me a wink. As always, she was confident that things would work out. That confidence soothed me.
“It’s go time!” Max yelled.
Madam Moonie’s mic came on. “Please welcome the salacious glitter-gun slinging hussy, Little Miss Mercury!”
Claps and shouts thundered, echoing through the venue.
I drew in a deep breath, focusing on myself.
I knew that Raider was close by, even if I couldn't see him. I wasn’t alone in this.
The curtains slowly began to draw back, the stage lights flashing over me.
The part of me that loved to perform kicked in.
I was a burlesque star. I had everyone’s attention in the palm of my silk gloved hands.
I grinned as I stepped out to the center stage. A single spotlight fell on me, my costume gleaming. I could see the front row, and the VIPs that sat there.
My stomach did a slow twist as I realized the Rider was not there.
Maybe he’s running late.
Regardless, the show had to go on.
My cue started, and I began to dance. My hips swayed, my body moving to the flow of the music.
My heels tapped on the hard stage as I moved. The crowd cheered and hollered, their excitement flowing to me. I drank it all in, falling into the rhythm of it all even as I searched the crowd for Rider.
