The smoke clears and out steps a man ready for his moment of fame. Dyed hair slicked back, bleached smile perfectly in place, the speaker adjusts his electric bowtie and casts a shit-eating grin around the room.
“Hi! How ya doing. Harlow Andreas. Your up-and-coming gameshow host for the marriage trials. Kill or be killed in the ultimate game of love.”
A couple of snickers are passed around as Harlow adjusts his stance and snaps his fingers.
“But let me start off with a better question, a simple one for all you elegant folk out there.” A dramatic pause, “Has anyone seen what ten million dollars looks like?”
Silence descends upon the crowd, curious and confused looks being passed from each council member.
“Not a single person?” Sweeping his eyes around the room, his grin widens, “Well, that’s an easy fix.”
A spotlight blares to life and laughter ripples through the crowd.
“And there she is! Miss Tahira Malik, the world’s most eligible bachelorette going up for auction. Starting bid is at ten million and winner gets half the shares of the Malik family’s multi-billion dollar business. Not bad for a return of investment, hey?”
Flecks of gold fan out across Tahira’s cheekbones, delicate strokes of makeup that boast the richest pixie dust money can buy. Twenty-four carets sparkle along her pigmented skin, but not even the purest gold can soften the distaste in her eyes.
“I’ve heard she’s a feisty one ladies and gentlemen, so look out.” Clapping into the microphone, he lets out a low whistle, “Always been a fan of feisty women myself.”
“Throw your hat in the ring!”
“A fine idea but I’m afraid my contract is iron clad.” He shakes his head with a sigh, “I’m allowed to cash in my pay cheques. Not cash the missus out.”
Whistles and catcalls explode from the eager participants in attendance.
“Well, I just wanted to take a moment to say hi. Get you used to the face that’s going to be aired on your television screams – I mean, screens.”
Laughter rumbles through the room.
“Before I go, let me extend my appreciation to the Dragon. For hosting this fabulous event and for hoarding the most beautiful women in one room. They say the pickings are slim in this town, but oh, my.”
Harlow lets out a low whistle, “Those pickings aregolden.”
Maleficent’s lips purse together even while chuckles float from every male in attendance.
“And lastly, thank you to Jaafar Malik.” Holding up his glass, Harlow looks at the tycoon solemnly, “For giving the people what they want. Your money.”
More laughter filters through the crowd, an infectious atmosphere that paints amusement over Jaafar’s face. His daughter sits stone-faced beside him, a golden statue waiting to be sold to the highest bidder.
“Well, that’s all I’ve got. Have a good night, everybody!”
What starts off as scattering applause quickly gains momentum. Whoops and hollers follow Harlow as he drops the mic and hops down from the cocktail table, his neon blue hair and bowtie vanishing among a swarm of new fans.
“How unfortunate.”
The Dragon states it simply, her eyes drifting over to where the heiress once sat. The chaise that now lies empty, the rich silk of Tahira’s gown disappearing down the hall.
“He must be a showman if he thinks the marriage trials are going to launch his career.” Huffing indignantly, Ursela pats the seashell dangling around her neck, “A black sheep desperate to make an impact.”
“The Andreas family has always been on the outskirts of town.”
I listen to the women dissect and degrade the child of the underworld, the mortician’s son who found himself a livelier calling. Useless and rather boring, I amuse myself by watching the man in question flirt and schmooze with the villains lurking nearby.
Holding back a sigh, I cast my eyes over the foes who disguise themselves as allies. The heartless and the hopeless mingling with sneers and barbs to ensure their presence leaves a mark.
Pathetic, really, watching the town’s richest citizens bicker like children. Witnessing the Queen of Hearts turn red in the face as yet another person insults her son while the new mayor does his best to appease everybody.
Poor thing has no idea he’s fighting an uphill battle.
