Page 137 of The Wingman

Georgia’s dressed like Queen Amethyst, the main character inThe Emerald Queen.Hazel is clearly Ren, the kidnappedprincess. Rory’s in tight black pants and a black shirt, open to mid-chest, tattoos drawn on his chest, neck, and the side of his face—Weston, Ren’s laconic, arrogant rival and kidnapper, who ends up being her fated mate after she stabs him in an attempt to escape. Alexei wears a black mask over his eyes and a leather harness with prop knives in it—Piers, the warrior. Jamie’s knight costume is Torsten, Ren’s responsible and uptight brother. And Pippa is Magnolia, the lonely, soft-hearted ice queen.

Even Jordan behind the bar wears pointed ears someone probably wrangled her into. She’s Carrot, I think, the wry, all-seeing barkeep.

“Well?” Georgia gestures at her costume, hand on her hip. “Did we nail it or what?”

My lips part and I make a strangled noise, smiling. A few people chuckle.

“I don’t have a costume,” I say stupidly, but Hayden just grins and reaches into a nearby duffel bag before pulling a crown out and placing it on his head.

“You’re Prince Cadius.” I sound dazed as I stare up at him. He looks so perfect and right with the crown on top of his slightly mussed hair.

He looks just like I envisioned the character when I read the books, before Patrick Grant was cast as him on the show. Golden blond, more handsome than I thought possible, and smiling ear to ear.

“Mhm.” He wraps a red cloak around his shoulders. After rummaging back in the bag, he pulls out a slinky, silvery cape.

I stand there in awe as he drapes it around me.

“And you”—he lifts another crown, this one more delicate and spindly, with sparkling gemstones—“are Aurora.” He places it on my head; it’s so much lighter than I would have expected.

Aurora, the Secret Queen. The loyal, brave maid who rescues her kidnapped princess. The one everyone underestimated. Pride and delight clench in my chest at stepping into the shoes of my favorite character.

His crown, his cape,mycape. “These props look so real.”

“I messaged the cast and they hooked me up with the wardrobe department.”

“Shut up!” My hands fly to the crown on my head. “This is the one she actually wore on the show? Shut up.”

There are rumors A.R. Haddington worked directly with the props department to design the props.

“Except for Volkov.” Georgia smirks, gesturing at his leather harness. “He brought those from his personal collection.”

He glares at her before turning to me. “These are also props. Happy birthday.”

I roll my lips so I don’t laugh. Every fan of the series hopes Queen Amethyst and Piers finally hook up inThe Emerald Queen.“You all look amazing. Thank you so much. I—” My words break off as I choke up. “I didn’t expect this.”

Someone turns the music back on, and as the laughter and conversation resume, I take in all the people gathered in the bar for my birthday. I’ve built a life for myself here in Vancouver. I have people. Hayden kisses my cheek, grinning against my skin, and I lean back against his chest, beaming.

The door opens, and we turn.

Luca waltzes in wearing his Storm jersey and a waist-length, wavy pale-purple wig. Everyone goes silent and stares at him.

“Sorry I’m late.” He shoots me a quick, boyish grin. “Girl trouble.” His gaze lifts to my crown and he smiles wider. “Birthday crown. I like it. Happy birthday, Darcy.”

“Thanks, Luca.” I cover my mouth to stifle my laughter at his growing confusion as he notices everyone’s costumes.

“What are you wearing?” Alexei demands.

Luca gestures at his wig. “I’m Darcy. Look.” He turns, and his name on the back of the jersey is covered in masking tape, with the letters OWENS written in black marker.

Alexei stares at him. “Why?”

“You said we’re dressing up as Darcy.”

“I said we’re dressing up asDarcy’s favorite TV show.”

Georgia’s laughing so hard she has to grip my arm to hold herself up. “Walker, you look like a mermaid.”

Luca shoots me a quick grin, not the least embarrassed. “Sorry.”

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