Page 16 of Violet

She nods at her Omega. “Frederick, pour her an iced tea. Bring my drink and then go.”

Sophine doesn’t do anything until the drinks are served and the door shuts.

When we’re alone again, her attention snaps back to me. “Why do you want me to choose you?”

“I don’t,” I say frankly. “Being seen by you is enough.”

Now she looks at me like I’m something rare. “Don’t you want to shine?”

“There are other girls, talented, nice, who would love being labeled Luxe.”

“But not you?”

I breathe out. “I don’t need that. I’m fine with this year just being my debut, and if I catch a good Alpha’s eye…”

“You don’t want to impress me?”

“I’m sorry. I’m not impressive in that way. My only wish is to find a mate who makes me happy, and who will also be the best for my family. They mean the world to me. Then when—well,if—someone chooses me, we’ll make a family of our own.”

“Children?”

I can’t help but smile. “Lots.” Then I bite my lip. I didn’t mean to say that, but it is true. As the oldest daughter, I’ve spent most of my time caring for my younger sisters. Sort of like a second mother to them. It’s what I’m used to, what I’m good at, what I want for my future.

“So here you are, Violet, a normal girl, pretty but normal, and in your own words boring and not seeking favor or the limelight, simply the right match?”

I didn’t say boring, but I won’t correct her. And I can’t think of what to say, so I nod.

“And do you know who the QueenBee might be?”

“Er… My sister thought it could be you, but I can see it’s not. I don’t go on Stitch.”

As soon as I say that, I know I’ve blown it. She frowns, deep lines crossing her forehead, as if she’s disappointed in me or I’ve wasted her time. Most likely both.

The rest of the interview happens in a haze, and before I know it, I’m shooed out of the grand room to meet Mom, who is waiting just outside the doors.

She looks at me, puzzled. “You weren’t in there for very long.”

I know. I must’ve hit the record for shortest interview compared to all of the others.

“Can we go, Mom? Now? Please?”

We leave, and as we drive home to the townhouse, I’m already thinking of ways to make Mom feel better about my screw-up with the Monarch. Her silence during the entire ride tells me of her disappointment, too, and upsetting her is the one thing I’d rather die than do.

I messed up. Big time.

Mom wanted me to be the Luxe apparently more than I thought. Even if that’s not what I want, I should have tried harder for her. I should have?—

It doesn’t matter. Now, I need to switch my focus to finding a mate, one she approves of who can lift the family up and set the tone for my sisters and their Seasons.

It’s all up to me.

So I really can’t mess this up too.

Hivemind! A special Stitch from the Queen Bee to my brood…

PEARL FOR THE PEARL?

Oh, yes.

---