Page 38 of Conning Her Dragonkin Boss

I blink. “Wait. What?”

He looks down at me, completely serious. “You deserve to be here when they announce you as the winner.”

A surprised laugh escapes me. “Khanner, there were so many good costumes! I don’t stand a chance.”

He arches a brow. “What category did you enter?”

I shift uncomfortably. “Novice.”

He merely nods, expression unreadable.

I get the distinct feeling that he doesn’t agree.

The banquet hall is a riot of colors, fabrics, and armor.

People are mingling in character, banners drape from the ceilings, and the scent of roasted meats, cinnamon mead, and fresh parchment fills the air.

It’s honestly perfect.

I fidget with my napkin, trying to ignore my nerves.

Khanner is ridiculously composed, but I know him well enough to tell that he’s paying attention.

When the Novice Category is announced, I hold my breath.

“And the winner is… Briar Moonblade!”

A cheer goes up from a table nearby.

I smile, clapping politely as the winner goes to accept their trophy.

Khanner, however, is staring at the judges like he’s about to reduce them to ash.

“I’ll speak with them,” he mutters, tone dark.

“Khanner, no.” I grab his arm, laughing despite myself.

“You should have won,” he grits out.

“I had fun!” I insist. “And I did my best. Plus, you didn’t fire me on the spot, so that’s already a win.”

His glower doesn’t fade.

“Look,” I say, squeezing his arm. “I came here for the experience. I got it. That’s enough.”

For a moment, it looks like he still wants to go full dragonkin wrath mode, but then his shoulders relax slightly.

“…Fine,” he says, though he doesn’t sound happy about it.

We start to stand, getting ready to leave.

And then the next announcement happens.

“And now, for Best in Show…”

I don’t expect to hear my name.

I’m already grabbing my bag, already ready to go.

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