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Glaring, I grab another flute, downing it. I should take it easy, but I’m too mad. And even though I’m on the other side of the room, I know Odin is watching me.
Mr. Jafar whispers something to Ellie and leaves. She moves closer to me, and I sigh.
“Sorry. I know I’m being a brat.” I pause. “I’m twenty-one, for the record.”
“Don’t apologize. It’s entertaining.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “God, I’m turning into one of those people that Grandmama despises.”
“Want to talk about it?”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ve heard the basics since everyone here loves to gossip. I was in love with Hans Vilulf, even though he didn’t know I existed. But nothing will come out of it because his brother is marrying my mother.”
“Is Hans here tonight?”
“No. He’s in Norway on a super yacht surrounded by Norwegian models while I’m stuck here watching the man I hate parade around with my mother.”
Ellie asks, “Why do you hate him?”
“It’s a long story.”
“And you don’t know me well enough to tell it. It’s okay, I understand.”
“I’ve met Jasmine before, you know. Grandmama is right when she says you’re a better match for Jafar.”
She gives me a wry smile. “I’ve known Jasmine since I was twelve. We met at boarding school. It’s amazing how you can know someone for so long and not see what kind of person they are.”
“And now you’re marrying Jafar. Are you scared?”
“No.”
“How can you be so sure that you’re doing the right thing? He’s powerful, and I’ve learned that power can change people.”
“I’m not scared because I love him and know that we can handle anything together.”
Something in my chest pulls. “You’re lucky, Ellie. Women born into the Mafia don’t get to marry for love. In fact, it’s usually for every reason other than love.”
“Surely that’s not always the case.”
“My mother loved my father, and our enemies knew it. Did you know that Jafar is the one who saved my mother after my father was killed?”
“I knew he saved one of Elsa’s daughters, but I wasn’t sure which one.”
“I was just a baby, so I don’t remember. But I know my parents loved each other. And it makes me so mad that she’s remarrying that man just to get a bit of power.” I shake my head. “Sometimes I like to dream of what it would be like if I was normal. I’d marry whoever I wanted, and it’d be for love.”
“I hope you get that one day.”
“My Grandmama is looking for an appropriate match for me. Once Odin approves, I can guarantee that I won’t be marrying for love. I’ll likely end up married off to a high-ranking soldier who works for Odin. At best, to another Family.”
And then I’ll be left unsatisfied for the rest of my life.
Ellie looks like she’s going to say something, likely to cheer me up, when Mr. Jafar returns.
“Ladies, I got you each some rose water.”
I say, “Thank you, but I should return to my mother. I’m sure she’s looking for me. Ellie, I’d love to spend some more time together soon.”
“I’d like that, too.”
