“Oh look,” Isa’s eyes were already scanning the crowd. “A Tarkington in a gown that actually fits. Mark the calendar.”
I snorted. “Be nice.”
“No.”
This was why I loved her.
She lifted her champagne flute in the direction of a woman in a shimmering pearl dress. “She’s wearing sandals to Sovereign.Sandals. Tradition is dead.”
“Comfort is a political act now,”
“Well she’s making a statement. And that statement is: my stylist hates me.”
I hid a laugh behind my glass.
Our eyes traveled the room in the same rhythm, identifying trends, disasters, alliances, and small dynasty rebellions disguised as fashion.
“Oh, someone is trying to get the heirs over with, so she can start biotech,” Isa whispered, tilting her head toward a couple entering on the right. The woman carried a newborn with a tiny bioluminescent crest pulsing faintly on its blanket.
“A lot of them did. Eight babies were announced this week. Four houses racing for succession security.”
“Dynasty fertility has become a public sport.”
I nodded. “Optics matter.”
She gave me a side-eye. “Your optics are perfect as always, Maddy. Ugh. I hate how effortless you make it look.”
“Not effortless,”
“Liar.”
Before I could respond, a ripple passed through the room. Isa followed my gaze.
“Oh no,” she whispered dramatically. “The Crows are congregating.”
We both turned.
Bastion and Luca stood near one of the pillars. A few heirs shyly angled closer, pretending to be interested in the art pieces beside them.
No one got too close.
“They terrify people. Not because they do anything. Because theydon’t.” Isa whispered, leaning in.
“It’s the stillness. Like they’re waiting for someone to breathe wrong.”
“Exactly. Nature documentaries would call it apex predator behavior.”
I didn’t disagree.
My heart betrayed me before my eyes did.
Vince.
Standing at the edge of a dynasty conversation circle, posture relaxed, presence anything but. A black suit, crisp shirt, silver ring stood out.
Isa’s gaze flicked toward the stage. Her expression changed.
“Shit. My mother. If I don’t get over there in the next thirty seconds, she’ll have another daughter written into the will.”
