I didn’t think he understood his own words. The nobles wouldn’t forget this. TheCirclewouldn’t forget this. I was certain Elijah was going to make the revolution pay for what they’d done tonight.
The only question was when he’d strike.
Chapter Eighteen
Emma
Once the news about the nobles died down, Vara released the article about Ethan.
And it. Blew. Up.
“Bud, I’m never going to be able to play hockey with you the same way again,” Stefan complained as he thumbed through the paper. Theo and Alexei snickered as they observed the nude photos of Ethan plastered all over the front page.
“It worked though! Everyone says Ethan isso hot,” Kiara said.
The noise around the Rec Room was intense. Everyone was holding a copy of the paper. Eyes were glued to Ethan, who was planted by my side. Girls observed Ethan from afar with rosy cheeks and broad smiles, while the shifters pouted, upset the women weren’t paying attention to them.
Ethan ignored everyone and continued fiddling with my hair. He appeared absolutely smitten in my presence, which was endearing, but I found it odd.
“Enjoying the attention?” I asked him.
“The plot worked to gain the attention of the public,” Ethan said. “That’s all I’m concerned with.”
I rolled my eyes. Always thinking of the bigger picture. “It wouldn’t be so bad for you to enjoy the spotlight every once in awhile.”
“I never was very concerned about the attention of women,” Ethan said. “I only ever had eyes for one sorceress.”
He was gazing at me in a googly-eyed way that was… not unusual, but different from other days. I supposed he must have something in mind for my birthday party tonight. It had come so quickly.
I hoped it went better than last year. The memory of the masquerade still singed the corners of my memory. Ethan and I had come a long way since then. I was proud at how much we’d managed to work through together.
A couple of girls walking by giggled. They roved their eyes over Ethan and clutched at copies ofThe Annual Arcanealike they were gold. Helena, the girl from my Illusion class, was with them.
“Emma, I’m so jealous you got your hands on such aman,” Helena swooned. “I hope my mate is half as hunky!”
“I certainly enjoy it,” I teased, and I ran my fingers down Ethan’s chest. The girls squealed.
“You two are a match made in heaven!” Helena said. “Oh, I do hope you get your happily-ever-after! I can’t wait to see your wedding in the papers! It’s going to be so magical!”
Helena and her friends skirted off, and I frowned. A wedding was a long way off, and if we had one, I didn’t want paparazzi swarming around it.
Though that was clearly not going to happen. Ethan was more popular now than when he was a prince, and I’d become just as interesting to the public in the meantime. Everyone would want to see our special day, I was sure— though some things, I just wanted for Ethan and I.
“You’re torturing them,” Ethan mused, and he tugged at my red strands.
“The planisto give the public what they want,” I said. “Nothing wrong with letting people's imagination run away with them.”
“Emma, I’m starting to think you’re an exhibitionist,” Delmare said. She was working on framing a copy of the paper, which Odetteinsistedhad to be done— for memory’s sake. I didn’t know where she wanted us to hang it.
“I’m sex positive,” I replied. “That sounds better.”
Ethan got up from the couch and said, “I have to head to the rink. I’ll see you in the stands,onawilke.” He gave me a wink, and strode off.
Ethan’s last hockey game of the season was tonight. His team had made the championship game, and I hoped they won. It’d be a great way for him to end his senior year. Stefan left with him, to get ready.
“I’m off to find my brother,” I said. “I’ll see you guys at the rink.”
Everyone waved goodbye. I found Arthur in the library as usual, hunched over books.
