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“Last year, as most of you know, I worked to dissolve the tradition of The Distinct in Arcadia,” Evrest pressed on, sliding a hand against the curve of Camellia’s waist, which was hidden beneath a Roman-style gown in ivory chiffon. “My reason for doing so is not a secret to anyone. She is here beside me, the woman the Creator truly destined for me, the keeper of my heart and the love of my soul.” His smile grew. “She stands here next to the sister of her heart, the warrioress who has, unbelievably, turned my brother into a tolerable person at times.”
As the crowd snickered, Samsyn groused, “Do not push it, rerda.”
Brooke, dressed in a more contemporary gown of black-accented ivory, gently nudged her man in the ribs. “You like being pushed.”
While Samsyn ducked his head toward Brooke’s ear, growling something only she could hear, Evrest turned his attention away from the familial ribbing and back to the crowd. A long breath expanded his chest. Defined portent sharpened his tourmaline gaze.
The biggest announcement of the night was on its way.
A disgusting truth confirmed—as I looked to where Shiraz stood, and beheld only empty space.
I didn’t look for where he’d gone. I couldn’t.
I didn’t search for him next to Ambyr. I wouldn’t.
I didn’t wait to watch him grasping her hand, gently tugging her toward the stage, opposite hand already digging in his pocket for the engagement ring there. He’d have made sure the stone was what she wanted. In short, it would be the size of Half Dome.
Didn’t care.
Couldn’t care.
I crawled back into the shadows of Jayd’s apartment. Huddled myself against the back of her couch, digging fingernails into my curled knees, funneling my attention on one desperate, urgent mantra.
Don’t you dare fucking cry.
The crowd settled into expectant silence.
Don’t you dare fucking cry.
Evrest cleared his throat.
Don’t you dare fucking cry.
“Now, it is my inexplicable joy to announce…”
The tears gushed, heavy and hard and silent.
“…that six months hence, Camellia shall be your queen in the fullest sense of the word. As we speak, Arcadia’s next sovereign has begun to grow in her womb.”
