Page 83 of Violet

“Vi? Did you see the latest QB? People want to know if you’re…” Rue mimes the biggest pregnant belly I’ve ever seen which earns her a pillow to the face from Iris.

We’re upstairs in my bedroom as Mom get things ready here for the party announcing Stephan’s claim of me.

Mari looks at me over her sketchbook as Iris tugs the dress tight at my waist. “Did you know your mate’s aunt Penrith sent a team of household servants over for us to use from now on?”

“You can’t call them that,” Dahlia says. “They get paid.”

“Workers?” Rue says. “Any good seamstresses?”

“When it’s your turn, Rue, I’ll make you sacks to wear.” Iris glares.

Rue grins. “I can rock a sack. I’ll start a trend.”

She probably will. “Can you make that less…tight?” I ask.

“Nope.” Iris shakes her head. “They’re gonna be looking right there.” She pokes my belly. “Rue isn’t wrong about the rumors.”

“But I haven’t?—”

“We know. Look, you’ve got a mark. A movie star’s mark, too. So everyone’s gonna be talking about your ceremony dress and pups next.” Iris rolls her eyes.

“She’s right,” Dahlia says.

So I let my sister poke and prod as she pins the dress. It’s beautiful, the material a thick green-black silk, the heaviness giving it a nice drape, and I feel at once grown up in it. And like something is very, very wrong.

I’m beginning to hurt, cramp low in my belly, and I don’t know if it’s the thick fabric of the dress but I’m sweating.

I really need to talk to Stephan. His marking me has me more confused than ever. He’d promise he’d find a way to not follow the Monarch’s mandate, and then he does this, so I need to know why. And why he kissed me like that…touched me like that…

My stomach aches, and I groan.

It’s my heat. It has to be.

Before Dominic had turned into a complete monster, he had mentioned being able to sense it, even with the blocker concealing my scent. Stephan could’ve been wrapped up in his instincts too. It could’ve taken over and made him?—

Regardless, what’s done is done. Stephan markedme and now we’re linked together. Destined to be mates. The Monarch got exactly what she wanted.

“What’s wrong?” Iris whispers. “Apart from everything.”

“Everything. What if…if he doesn’t…” I can’t saylove, because for him it was never on the table. “What if he doesn’t want me?”

“Then he should have kept his mouth off you.” Iris tugs tight on the back of the dress. “Stop ripping yourself in all directions trying to make the world happy. What aboutyou?”

Me? I almost laugh. I’m both the least important and most valued player in this. I have the power to make others happy here. It’s just that to do it for one side means the other is hurt or trapped.

But I nod, smile, and she carries on.

The doorbell rings and Rue flies out the door.

Downstairs there’s a flutter of female voices and then commands are thrown out. I can’t make out what, but I know the tone.

“What shoes?” Mari asks, looking over. “Heels in silver or gold? I’ve got spray paint if you need it. And should we use the diamond tiara?”

Panic starts to bear down. I don’t need to play into the princess motif even more. “No, I…no.”

Iris accidentally jabs me and I jump. “Sorry.”

“O.M.G.!” Rue’s back. “The Monarch sent a train of food and desserts. Mom almost fainted when she saw it all! Oh, I can’t wait for tonight. Show me your bite again!”

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