Page 28 of Royally Rivalled

eighteen

ASTRID

Returning homefrom the MUN conference, I looked forward to a quiet evening with a new book I’d brought today to read in downtime but never got around to. It ended with the students addressing a global cybersecurity incident. Parker hated me, but he learned to respect me. I took the high road. We must be professional like the co-workers we were. I didn't like him but would remain civil.

Amara appeared in the doorway as I dropped my bag and threw myself onto the bed. She was in a full face of makeup, a slinky top, and a short skirt.

“You going to the party?”

“What? No,” I answered. “What party?”

“Jeremy's going to be there. His friend said so.”

I perked up. “He is?”

“Niall Ferguson is having a party; it will be so much fun. You know the showTasker?”

“No?” I answered.

“So, there is a Tasker. He assigns these ridiculous challenges spur-of-the-moment, and you have to do them. He will assess points, andthe most points win. He's going to have all do it. It's his birthday, and he's the Tasker!“

“And Jeremy is going?”

She nodded. “He is. Change. Look hot! Come with me! Let's not miss out!“

“I am so knackered, Amara!”

“Okay, fine, but you'remissing out, darling. This is going to be so fun.”

“Fine,” I agreed. “Give me an hour.”

“You have forty minutes, or I am leaving you!“

I groaned.

“Go, do makeup and hair. I will sort out an outfit for you. It's casual.”

“Fine, fine, whatever!“

Dipping into the bath, I did my best to match Amara's level of sexy, smoky eye. I indeed failed, but I tried. Makeup was still new to me. I'd not been permitted it for years. I was still in grade eight in terms of experience and worried it always showed. If I went to an engagement, I had help. Real life in the normal world didn't provide such things. Amara came to the rescue, helping me pull my hair into a flawless twist. She pulled a pair of jeans and a blouse that appeared to work. I put them on, still feeling awkward about exposing cleavage.

“See, you look darling!“

“But will it work?”

“Jeremy is going to feel you are sufficiently fuckable like this, yes!“

I snickered. “I am not trying to fuck him... am I?”

“You aren't? You talk to him enough to make a case for it.”

It was perhaps true. I'd been out drinking with a few of them that week. I flirted with him too much to deny I had a crush. I did. He was handsome. He had a divine jaw and cute curly hair. I wanted him to kiss me. I wanted aproperkiss from someone who wasn't a cheating bastard. Would I ever get laid? Maybe there was still a chance!

We walked to Niall's house just up the block. We arrived, drinking with the other attendees. I set my sights on Jeremy.

“Hey,” I approached him at the kitchen island’s makeshift bar.

“Hey. Well, damn, you clean up nice, Deschamps,” Jeremy said.

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