The room erupts into cheers and whistles of enthusiasm.
“Speaking of which, you will find several hand fans at your tables. One side is emblazoned withTeam Starbladeand the otherTeam Vardox. When I call your team, hold them up, facing my direction with that name. Are you ready?”
Raucous shouts of agreement resound all around us.
“Okay, let’s start with the Team Starblade stans!”
Attendees start waving their fans and shouting with loud enthusiasm.
River looks around the room with obvious satisfaction.
“Excellent,” Nirblob says into the mic. “Now, let’s hear from the Team Vardox lovers!”
The noise around us becomes deafening as fans are zealously waved in the air.
River leans in to whisper. “I think Lord Vardox is the indisputable favorite.” He pooches out his bottom lip. “Captain Starblade, my precious himbo, needs more love. Don’t you think?”
I wrap my arms around him and hold him close. “Who knows, with the new direction you’re taking your story, especially with the reverse jealousy plotline you mentionedearlier, maybe you’ll net yourself some new Starblade fans?” I say, keeping my voice low.
He rubs his hands together. “You’re so right. How did I not think of that? This could be Captain Starblade’s comeback era!”
I chuckle and rest my chin on the top of his head.
On the stage, Nirblob is now explaining the convention rules for attendees and reminding everyone about tomorrow’s schedule of events.
“It’s a day jam-packed with pure fun and enjoyment. Use your digital schedule on the app to make sure you don’t miss the events you’re most passionate about. For tonight, live it up and start getting to know some of your fellowTentacular Talesfans. You’re among your people here and safe to indulge in all your fannish desires—just make sure if they involve anyone else that they’re consensual!”
The crowd laughs and claps loudly. Then the lights on the stage go down and the ones in the room turn up again. Music starts playing, and some eager participants head to the makeshift dance floor by the stage and start to strut their stuff.
“Do you want to join them?” I ask River. I’m not particularly keen on the idea myself, but I’ll dance with him amid all these people if he wants me to.
My husband gives me a look that sees right through me and pats me on the arm. “Don’t worry, hubby-boo. I know this scene isn’t your jam. Too crowded. I won’t subject you to dancing. Not tonight, at least.” He flashes a roguish grin, which, with his current outfit, takes his whole sexy pirate vibe to the next level.
I need to tell him to keep the outfit so he can wear it for me when we’re alone.
He can be the dangerous pirate who kidnaps and seduces me… Mmm…
River jars me out of my wayward thoughts when he says, “But I will expect some slow dancing with you at the costume ball, so prepare yourself.”
I sketch him a little bow. “As you wish.”
“Hey, that’s my line tonight!” He gestures toward himself. “Respect the costume.”
I throw my head back and laugh.
Before River, I rarely laughed so freely. Now, it’s an almost daily occurrence.
And galactic gods, do I love it.
A short time later, we make a quiet escape from the ballroom and head back to our honeymoon suite, much to my relief. I’m already yawning once we get inside.
“Stop that,” River says around a yawn of his own.
“My apologies. I’m still a lot more tired than I expected. Given how laid-back our entire day has been, I wasn’t anticipating this.”
River steps closer and carefully removes my fake mustache, then pulls off my curly Inigo Montoya wig, running his hands through my hair. “That’s just another sign how badly we need some serious R and R, babe.”
I return the favor and help him remove his eye mask and headscarf. “Perhaps, but it makes me feel decidedly old-mannish.”
