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Malik Jafar holds Ellie’s hand as she moves closer to Elsa.
I can’t hear what’s said, but it must be good because Elsa smiles.
She stands. “Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we’re celebrating two upcoming weddings. My daughter is to marry Odin Vilulf, and Malik Jafar is marrying a delightful woman named Ellie. Van der Zee, if you’re still here, I’d suggest you catch up to the others.”
There’s laughter throughout the room, and Kieran stiffens next to me. I reach out, grasping his hand in mine, giving it a small squeeze. I might be mad at him, but he doesn’t deserve to be laughed at. He squeezes my hand back.
“Come, pet. There’s someone I see that I want to speak to.”
He leads me to a corner in the room where not only does he introduce me, but he allows me to take part in the conversation.
I feel like we’ve talked to almost everyone in the room when Kieran turns to me.
“We need to speak to Elsa and then we can leave.”
I bite my lip. “She knows who I am.”
“I don’t doubt that. She makes it a point to know everything about everyone.”
“She was the one who gave my father her blessing in marrying Max.” I can’t stop the bitterness in my voice. “I’m worried she’ll have something to say about me being here with you.”
Well, what I’m really worried about is that she’s going to make a scene like she did when she announced Ellie’s engagement to Mr. Jafar.
“She likely will, but fuck her and what she thinks. We make our own rules, pet. Never forget that.”
I meet his gaze, nodding. “Okay. I’m ready.”
He takes my hand, leading me across the room. Elsa watches us approach and says something to the young woman at her side.
Kieran comes to a stop in front of her and says, “Elsa, I’d like you to meet my friend Ariel. Ariel, this is Elsa and her granddaughter, Anna.”
Anna gives me a smile that seems genuinely kind and says, “You probably don’t remember me, but we met when your father came on a trip with Midas when we were kids.”
“Oh my goodness! How could I forget? You gave me your cherry popsicle when one of my older sisters took the one I wanted.”
Anna laughs. “Us seven-year-olds had to stay together.”
Elsa clears her throat. “Anna, see if your mother needs anything.”
“Yes, Grandmama.”
She gives me another small smile before heading toward Selma.
Elsa stares at me until I want to fidget. “Little Ariel Triton. What on earth are you doing here with Kieran Van der Zee? I distinctly remember giving your father my blessing for you to marry Max Erics.”
Wow, she’s not wasting any time, is she?
Kieran answers, “Erics was harming the girl. He’s lucky I let him live when I left him in Vegas.”
“Oh, I’m well aware of what happened in Vegas. Max has told me all about it.” She turns her icy gaze on me. “How is your father, dear? Surely, he’s worried about you.”
“I wouldn’t know.”
“Because Kieran won’t let you speak to him?” She hums. “You should know that Kieran comes by his nickname honestly. The Sea Warlock is good at deceiving his victims, just as his mentor did. You’ll do good to remember that.”
“I haven’t spoken to my father because I don’t want to. He sold me to an abusive pig. Kieran has been nothing but kind to me.”
She turns her attention to Kieran. “And how is sweet Jane? I noticed she wasn’t here tonight.”
