Page 220 of Savage Bosses

I glanced in the full-length mirror at my costume. It was a combination of the cover ofMy Fair Warriorand my interpretation of Vice Admiral Victoria Strong’s uniform described in the book. It took me a year to make it—technically, with the last three months being the most productive. The armor pieces for the shoulder guards and vambraces were worbla that I painted a metallic periwinkle. The lavender, translucent visor I bought, then used a silver marker to make it look like there was a readout on it. The trick was putting enough drawings there while still being able to see through the visor. It took a couple of tries.

For the piece de resistance, I found a lavender veil on Artsy, and my battledress was hours and hours of searching before I ended up putting it together by adjusting clothing I found on several sites. When complete, I looked every inch of the warrior queen I imagined, from the veil and visor, to the ready-for-battle armor with a laser pistol at my hip, floor-length skirt with splits up to the hips, and knee-high boots that were covered with painted worbla. Thank God Victoria wore tights underneath those high splits.

There was showing some leg, and then there was having to tape my skirt to my goods for decency laws—this was a public event, after all. I didn't wantallmy business out there.

“You look fit for cosplay duty, Vice Admiral. Now to show you off.”

There was aMy Fair Warriormeet-up with some Martinis, Dani's fan group. A group of us that dressed up would pose together for pictures and stage some of our favorite scenes. It was nerdy to the core, but I loved the vibe of being around other fans. They were my people.

As a group of fellow fans walked past, I stepped out of my room.

“Whoa, it's your majesty.” One of them said in shock.

Another saluted me.

The others smiled. “Safe waters,” another said, getting into their role as my loyal subjects.

All of them pulled out their phones.

“I would love a picture,” someone said.

I nodded my head imperiously, The way I thought Victoria would respond, and then struck a pose. I tried for a dignified, regal stance. It must have worked because their eyes lit up, and they gasped before the clicks and flashes began.

Others walking down the hall ran up and joined in the picture-taking. My costume was a hit. I wasn't even ten feet from my room and had already been photographed several times.

For the culture, I reminded myself.

I gestured that we should all move forward, and the photography ceased just like that. These people gave me more deference in my costume than I received in real life. I could see why people enjoyed cosplaying so much.

I strolled down the hall, the crowd following me as I made my way downstairs. It was weird, but I was playing a warrior turned queen, and they recognized a badass of epic proportions. Even channeling Victoria at work made people look at me and listen. I should make Victoria Strong my spirit animal.

“Do you have social media?” some asked me on the elevator ride down to the first floor.

“Just a regular account on Instafame and Facespace, but I'm active in the Martini group.”

The girl glanced at my badge. “Jail? I will look for you there.”

“It's pronounced JL,” I pronounced my nickname phonetically. Going by Jaelle was preferred. Judy-Lynn was for work and people who didn't know me. On paper, Judy-Lynn got jobs, good credit, and other basics done. Jaelle was just mysterious and fun.

“What a beautiful name. I'm going to look for you right now, so I can tag you in my posts.”

The doors opened. “I look forward to it.”

I stepped out into the Friday “Just left my regular life obligations” crowd. It was already bustling, and there would be double the attendance on Saturday.

I glanced at my phone, then slipped it into my holster with my blaster. The meet-up was in an hour in Salon K, and there wasn't a panel that I wanted to attend until afterward. I just had to occupy myself. My plan was to people-watch and discover if there were any early bird sales in the Dealer's room or Artist's Alley. I always enjoyed up-and-coming authors while I waited for my next Dani Bond book.

I took a few steps toward the Dealer's room when someone called out. “Warrior Queen. Warrior Queen! Can I take your picture?”

I turned, and a guy with a Martinicon shirt and a Mikon camera smiled. My pause caused others to notice me with their phones at the ready. I wanted to say no, but then I thought Victoria would do it and find a graceful way to meet her objective. Well, I would too. Besides, if I had to fake being awesome, this was the best scenario possible. Being my favorite character from my favorite book. “You may.”

Apparently, my public awaited.

CHAPTER 2

Ryu

I

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