Page 84 of Violet

Downstairs, the music’s already started and the babble of people fills the air. It doesn’t soothe; it weighs me down and not even Stephan’s arrival helps. I know when he walks in. I know he’s anxious, a little buzzed by this. It permeates me. Scares me, too.

Because it means I’ll have to go down soon.

As a fanfare rises, his aunt, the Council Monarch, is announced.

Now I really have to get down there.

Iris knocks as she walks in. For once, she’s put on a party dress.

“I got these.” She hands me long black gloves. “And something else.”

She hands me a small bottle. “Anti-anxiety pills. Quinn got them and gave them to me for you. Contraband from the mainland.”

Iris goes to the mirror and starts applying more eyeliner and lipstick.

My hands shake as I open the bottle, and I dry-swallow two.

“They’re strong, so be careful.” Iris sets down the mascara and sees the lid still off. “How many did you take?”

“Two.”

“Should be fine. Let’s get you ready, Cinderella.” She fixes my hair, pinning it up then pulling strands artfully down. “We leave the bite on display.”

I touch it, and it’s hot and a wave of desire suddenly passes through me. “Really?”

“Apparently, it shows he owns you.” Iris finishes fussing and settles the tiara on, taking her time. “Barf.”

Then she fusses with the heavy satin, until it’s just right.

“I look…luxe.”

“You do.” She laughs. “Are the pills kicking in? You feel less tense?”

“Maybe.” I don’t want to ruin the vibe. The aches and nausea recede, and there’s peace and happiness everywhere inside.

Whatever the fallout, we’ll deal with it.

Later.

I head downstairs after Iris. And when I enter the great room turned ballroom, the crowd hushes as Stephan walks over.

Everything flip-flops in me. He’s the most handsome man, even with that neatly trimmed scruff. But when he smiles, it’s stiff. Forced. And something inside me dies.

Something’s wrong. No one else seems to notice, but I can sense it.

It’s an act.

Before I can read too much into it, he takes my hand and sweeps me into a dance. My focus shifts to the pressure of his palm against my lower back and how good he feels. His nearness. His oak scent.

Then, Stephan leans in. “Are you stoned?”

“No, Iris got me some meds to help with my…nerves.”

He eases me closer. “We have good therapists in Emporia. To help manage your panic attacks.”

Emporia.

Suddenly the fantasy fades. “We don’t have to do this.”

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