I took the choker.
“And secondly,” I said, adjusting it on top of the scar. Gold lace settled against my skin, covering the secret I wasn’t ready to face.
I gave Breena the up-down with my eyes. “You’re a knockout, girl!”
She beamed, gold freckles sparkling on her roundedcheeks. Hands bunched into the material of her dress as she did a twirl for me. Long curls swayed over her delicate shoulders.
“Awww. Thanks, Car!” she squeaked. “Oakley, ya know—cute professor who teaches Si Craft? Asked me to be his date. I’m trying to?—”
Her words cut off. Aine entered the room like a storm cloud rumbling in.
“Ready,” Aine blurted loudly, all enthusiasm drained away.
Breena’s hands shot to her hips, as if pulled by an angry magnet.
“Ya wore that to the Fortuna last time!” Her nose scrunched, fury dancing on her brow. “I picked out five dresses for you!”
If Breena were the Si Princess, then Aine would be the goddamn Queen. Her strapless, floor-length dress glittered like a dark night sky, except instead of silver starlight, it was gold. The same bright hue as her locks that were pinned neatly into a braided crown on her head.
“They were toofoofy,” she muttered the word like it was dirt on her tongue, then gave a shrug. “Oh, Breena, I should mention—there’s some string-bean guy outside. Been out there for ten minutes or so. Said he was your date.” Aine readjusted her bust. “I was getting ready andforgot.”
If smugness were a competition, Aine would be the champion, threading her gown from gold medallions.
“Also, our Enbarr’s here. Little early, don’t ya think?” Aine added quickly with feigned enthusiasm.
“What do ya meanour,” Breena scoffed. “Oakley wants to be at the tents before the long lines show up—extra time to get to know each other.”
Aine casually shrugged. “That’s fine, I’ll go early too. Better than being stuck with the lovebirds. Vomit clashes with thecolor of my dress.” She scrunched her nose, pinning me with a teasing, yet repulsed look.
Breena huffed, passing her in the doorway.
“For luck’s sake!” Breena spat under her breath, then grilled Aine with an accusatory look. “Maybe if ya did a little more smiling and a little less hissing, you’d have your own date!”
“Wait—aren’t you going with Keeffe?” I asked Aine, clamping my mouth shut to hide the devilish grin. I failed miserably.
Breena whirled around. “What?” she snapped.
Aine picked at her nails, unbothered and bored, but shot me a brief glare. “Who?” She blinked, acting as clueless as a foggy window.
“Aine,” I drawled, disapproving, like a mom coaxing a toddler to fess up. I looked at Breena. “Keeffe asked her to be his date.Three times.Even had me beg her on his behalf.”
Breena swore under her breath, grimacing at Aine.
Aine waved a nonchalant hand. “He’s not my type.”
“No one’s ya type!” Breena scowled.
“Don’t worry.” I chuckled, smile widening. “Told him Aine’d save him a dance. You know, to make up for all that rejection.”
“You didn’t!” Aine’s piercing gaze burned into me.
Breena grunted, then grabbed Aine’s hand, hauling her out the door.
“See you there!” I waggled my fingers as Breena dragged her and her irritated eyes away. “Byieeee!”
There wasa heavy knock on the door.
I growled, attempting to pin my stubborn coppery hair back. It was clearly determined to go rogue.
