Page 13 of Violet

“Hey, Vi.” Quinn Hyde hooks a flyaway strand of red hair behind an ear. “Did you survive the picnic?”

“You left early?”

“You stayed?” she asks as I usher her in.

I put on a bouncy smile. “Of course, to the very end. Mom left early with a migraine.”

“Oh, man, I’d have been out of there as soon as she was.” Quinn hugs me. “The picnic’s nothing more than a gawk fest of who the chosen girls might be, who’s making their debut into the Season. And gossip.”

“And courtesy of Iris,” I say, “and her little accident with the drink and Alicia’s dress, they all got something togossip about. Mom was worried, but I showed her the Queen Bee Stitch and other Stitchers’ comments. Everyone was nice, and as Rue said, we weren’t singled out by the ‘QB’ as monsters, so…”

“It’ll blow over,” Quinn says.

“I hope you’re right. Anyway, I think the Season is going to be a lovely one,” I say, doing my best to mask my fears.

“Violet Gardener, I never took you for a traditionalist.”

“There’s nothing wrong with a good match, Quinn. And I’m happy for my first Season.” The lie burns on my tongue.

“And last.”

“I hope so. I’ll get Iris.” I’m about to show her into the living room when Rue darts past.

“Iris! Your other half is here!” She grins at Quinn, eyes going to her hair, something she covets. “Why won’tmyhair turn red? I’d dye it but Mom might keel over.”

“Yeah? Well, I think my mom wants to keel over every time she sees my hair. It draws eyes to me naturally…and not in a good way, according to her.” Quinn rolls her eyes. “But there’s no way I could ever be a Luxe, so I don’t know why it matters.”

“You might one day,” Rue says, sliding back so she can curl a strand of Quinn’s hair around her finger.

“We Hyde girls are Betas.” She looks at me and gives an impish grin. “Much to Mom’s Omega heart’s dismay.”

“You’ll still have a Season.” They’re so rich, Quinn will be one of the few Betas with their own version of it. Not as much of a fuss the way Alphas’ and Omegas’ Seasons are, but still as nerve-wracking.

“Next year, Vi. Gotta be at least twenty-one.”

I curse my ancient age mournfully. “I know.”

“Mom said Sophine is eyeing a few ladies for the Luxe Omega this year,” Quinn says, “including the newcomer, Alicia Dell.”

“Love your boots, Quinn.” Rue’s been quiet for about half a minute. Far too long for her. “Did you see the Queen Bee’s latest? What was your take? Did you like what the Bee said?”

“Nah, I don’t read that nonsense. And I was barely there.”

“Like Iris.” Rue sighs. “I bet the Bee’ssooosophisticated.”

Mari walks in, her bouncy bob and soft smile as welcoming as ever. “Hey, Quinn. Iris is getting ready. Dahlia’s about to practice. She’ll be playing at some of the events this year. Want to come hear?”

“I’ll get some tea and cake. Or coffee. Or…or…soda! And cake.” And with that Rue takes off toward the kitchen.

I truly envy pretty Quinn. She’ll have to pick a mate eventually, being a rich Beta, but no Beta is ever made to stand in the spotlight and be fussed over, no matter how rich or well-bred. That’s reserved for Omegas. Like me.

Then again, I won’t be the Monarch’s chosen one. When she finds an Omega she deems worthy, she picks her star.

The thought makes me want to puke.

Marigold tucks Quinn’s hand in her arm. “Mom’s pretending to tend to the front garden so she can catch the mailman. She’s waiting for the first invitations. And Iris?Wardrobe drama. I mean, she mostly wears black, so how much drama can she find?”

With Quinn whisked off and Dahlia playing the piano, I have no option but to follow them into the living room.

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