I suppress my groan as I slip my arm through Gianna’s. The sooner I thank Felicity, the sooner I can leave. “Let’s get this over with,”I grumble.
My forced smile falters. Felicity isn’t alone. Admirers surround her—all men—each of whom she probably promised she would choose to have at her side when she becomes queen.
“Ow,” I whine when Gi elbows me in the ribs.
“Stop scowling, will you? I’ve heard from reliable sources that she gives great gifts.”
“Ugh. I can afford all the nice things I want. I’m thequeen.”
Gi pouts, and my resolve crumbles like streusel. “Humor me. Felicity said she’s super excited to see you. I think she’s maturedsince you two last saw one another. Maybe she will surprise you?”
I’ll believe she’s changed the day dogs can talk. “Maybe.”
I inhale a deep breath, feeling the seams of my white dress tighten. I can do this.
Felicity stops talking with her friends. My cousin, a Green Witch who looks more like my grandmother than I do with her long dark hair, sapphire blue eyes, and a reserved heart-shaped face, grins maniacally. I need to get out of here.
“By the stars, Leigh, don’t you look fancy,” Felicity greets, kissing me twice on each cheek. Her lip gloss is sticky, like syrup. She wears a pastel pink baroque-style dress, which is her signature color. I’m guessing she was involved in decorating the venue. White silk gloves cover Felicity’s hands and elbows, and her yellow diamonds are modest, yet we both know they are extremely expensive.
“Well, it is my wedding,” I reply with a hand on my silky hip.
Gianna frowns. “Be nice,”she mouths.
“I’m so happy you found your person,” Felicity gushes. Her male companions nod as if on cue. “For a while there, my mother and I didn’t think you’d ever settle down. At least, not with anyone other than that Bennett fellow.” She pretends to look for Bennett among my guests, though I know she’s aware he isn’t here, considering she helped Gianna with the wedding preparations, which likely included the invite list. “Shame he couldn’t make it, but no one wants to watch the love of their life marry another man.”
I choke back ugly laughter. Felicity hasn’t changed a bit. “I am hardly the love of Bennett’s life.” Last I heard, he’d met someone.
A huge smirk forms on Felicity’s face as she speaks. “I only meant that the way you two behaved when you were kids made it obvious he was obsessed with you. My mother and I still talkabout how you two had sex in a closet at Fynn’s engagement party.” She laughs humorlessly, and her men laugh along with her.
My breath stalls, while Gianna flinches. I can’t believe Felicity brought up Gi and Fynn’s engagement party in front of her. Father and Fynndiedthat night.
“I mean, talk about a scandal,” Felicity continues. “But you were always one for breaking the rules. It’s funny how you enforce them now.”
My fingers twitch with the urge to put this bitch in her place, but I’m not about to create a scene at my party. Gi has already moved away and is locking eyes with her girlfriend across the room. “You know what, Felicity? Thank you so much for coming. Your help with planning this event has been invaluable. Excuse us.”
I steer Gi out of that rattlesnake’s nest.
She exhales. “That girl is toxic as fuck.”
A laugh bursts out before I can stop it. “A leopard can’t change its spots.”
“I don’t get it; she was so nice on the phone.”
I offer Gi a water from the nearby buffet table. She gulps it down.
“Probably so she could get an invite to the wedding and torment guests about how she helped plan it,” I reply. “Let’s just pray she doesn’t start singing.”
Gi snorts. “Please, don’t ever die. I couldn’t stomach her as queen.”
My stomach tightens. “Don’t worry, that won’t happen anytime soon.”
The glow of Gi’s skin returns to normal. “I can’t believe you are getting married tomorrow.”
I beam at my oldest friend. “Neither can I.”
“Wilder is a lucky guy,” Gi says, tears welling in her eyes.
“I thought you didn’t approve?” I tease. Since their trip to Aurora together two years ago, Wilder and Gi have grown very close. How could they not be, especially after he rescued her at gunpoint? I glance over my shoulder and catch Wilder watching me as if he has X-ray vision. I blow him a kiss. “I’d better go.”
