Page 68 of Violet

“Nothing. I’m saying we find you someone you want. Who will mate with you.”

“Mr. Gardener? Miss Gardener?” The man in blue is there, door open. I stand up on shaky legs, and as we step inside, all I can smell is the seductive aroma of rich, earthy oak. The touch of sweetness that turns things on within me.

I grab Heath’s arm, both for support and to stop him from rushing Stephan, who’s beside the Monarch in the center of the room. She’s somehow more intimidating in her black suit than she was when I was first presented to her.

“I have to say, Miss Gardener, you’re not the quaint little Omega I thought you were,” she says, coming up to me. I dig my fingers harder into Heath’s arm. Her gaze flicks to my brother. “Fredrick will escort your brother from the room. He isn’t needed for this conversation.”

“With all due respect, Monarch. She’s my sister and I am her guardian,” my brother says with a bow of his head.

Sophine looks him up and down. “You are aware of the importance of an Omega? They are the jewels in our society’s crown. With breeding and manners, they are elite. Now add that extra something, that sparkle, and you have the standout.”

He frowns. “Violet can find a mate on her own. She doesn’t need the Luxe title.”

“Oh, but she does. With your family’s mishaps with money and your father’s untimely passing, you’re lucky Mr. Ashford’s even sniffing around.”

Stephan steps forward. “Sophine, that’s not?—”

“Shush, Stephan,” she snaps, and he freezes. “You’ve done enough damage with that mouth of yours for today.” She turns back to Heath. “Out. Now.”

The male Omega, Fredrick, walks over to see Heath out and misery strikes hard. My brother gives me one last sorrowful look before leaving.

When the doors shut, the Monarch waves her hand for Stephan to take the empty space beside me. He does.

“Now, tonight has been…intriguing,” she begins, glancing at each of us before resting fully on me. “You know, before tonight, I was considering removing the Luxe status from you, maybe giving it to another Omega, but now…”

Words tumble from my mouth as fear sets in. “Nothing really happened, Monarch. It wasn’t much of a kiss. Something innocent and?—”

“Not the kiss.” She cuts me off. “Stephan informed me of your arrangement.”

I look at him as betrayal rips through me. “Wha-what?”

“He’s told me everything. About your fake courtship to attract a suitable Alpha and so that he could dodge the Season’s expectations of him.”

I start to sway on my feet as the room both stretches and shrinks. Prickles dance along my skin, and I’m suddenly feeling too hot, sweaty. But something cool and calm encircles me, and someone’s fingers are curling into mine.

“You’re okay, Princess,” Stephan whispers. Even so low and gentle, his Alpha voice reverberates inside me. “I had to tell her. To save your reputation.”

“Interesting,” the Monarch says, watching us. “You react to him. Can you smell him? Even now?”

What an odd thing to ask. “Yes. Why?”

“He’s wearing scent blockers. Strong ones. As you are. I can’t smell either of you, but clearly, you know each other’s scents.”

Stephan and I both glance at each other and nod.

“They say that meanssomething,” she says. “Maybe what Stephan told me is true.”

What did he tell her?

I’m about to ask, when she drops the next bomb on me. “Do you like him?”

Oh god.

Humiliation burns. I glance at Stephan.

“Well? Do you?” she presses. “I need to know.”

There’s no reason to lie at this point.

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