She’d been so nervous that her friend would hate her, but it turned out Hallie was a far better person than Brynleigh. She’d forgiven her, and they’d hugged and spent the afternoon together.
Now, they were pulling up to the Hall of Choice, where four other limos were lined up in front of the entrance.
Brynleigh ran her fingers down the black shimmering silk of her floor-length gown. “You think so?”
She’d picked up the dress a few evenings ago. It had a high halter neck and long, fitted sleeves that came past her wrists. The back was practically non-existent, giving plenty of room for wings if she set them free. Although most of the other women would probably be wearing heels, Brynleigh had opted for a pair of flats. She wore her necklace and tracking bracelet, both pieces of jewelry hidden by the dress.
“I know so.” Hallie took a generous gulp of her wine and swayed in her seat. “Ryker is going to lose his shit when he sees you.”
Brynleigh snorted. She had never heard Hallie swear, but apparently, all it took was one glass of wine to loosen the Fortune Elf right up. “Thank you. You look beautiful, too.”
Hallie’s dress was a pale pink, glittery cloud. It was strapless, with a tight bodice before flaring out at the hips. Layers of tulle formed afull, fluffy skirt. The back was low, allowing room for the elf’s wings. Her white hair was styled in loose waves over her shoulder, and diamond earrings studded her lobes.
“Thank you.” Hallie swallowed the last of her wine as the car inched forward. There was only one limo in front of them now. “You know, I’m glad the Choosing is ending. It was nice, and obviously, I’m grateful for the experience, but it’s been…”
“A lot,” Brynleigh finished for her friend. “I couldn’t agree more.”
The experience has been exhausting, but she got Ryker out of it. Honestly, she couldn’t be happier. Like fresh flowers blooming in the spring, the first rays of sunlight after a long, never-ending night, and the first flicker of warmth from a fire. Brynleigh’s fae captain had breathed life into her cold, dark heart.
She looked out the window, taking in the crowds lining the steps of the Hall of Choice. Much like the first night of the Choosing, flashing cameras lit up the dark sky as the press tried to get the best shot of each participant.
In a mirror image of the first night, men and women were arriving separately, alone, or in groups like Brynleigh and Hallie. Usually, the couples came together, but there had been a last-minute change this year.
A tall fae with blue-black hair swept into a dazzling updo stepped out of the limo in front of them. Pointed ears were adorned with glittering tear-drop diamond earrings. An ivory handbag hung over one shoulder, and an aura of power surrounded the woman.
Brynleigh inhaled sharply.
Even from behind, she instantly recognized Valentina Rose.
The Chancellor’s daughter wore a blood-red gown that was tight from her bosom to her thighs before flaring out. The mermaid-style gown was beautifully made and probably cost thousands.
On anyone else, it would’ve been stunning. But no amount ofmoney could smooth over the hard, frigid edge of violence surrounding the bitchy fire fae.
Valentina strode up the steps of the Hall of Choice, her gown trailing behind her like a river of blood. Even from here, Brynleigh could make out the sharpened points of Valentina’s heels as they clicked on the stairs.
“Well, she certainly knows how to make an entrance, doesn’t she?” Hallie muttered.
“Yes, she certainly does.” Brynleigh scowled.
Hallie leaned closer and loudly whispered, “Did I tell you that Therian and I watched her wedding on the livestream? It wassoextravagant. They must’ve spent hundreds of thousands on it.”
“Really?”
“Mhmm.” The Fortune Elf hiccuped. “Most people are calling it the wedding of the century.”
“Fascinating. I’m sure that’s exactly what she was hoping for.”
Valentina stopped on the last step and turned. A fake smile spread across the fae’s face, and she waved to the press.
It was all an act. Of all the women Brynleigh had met during the Choosing, Valentina Rose was the worst.
Brynleigh had never truly been inclined to rip someone’s throat out just for being an entitled, cruel bitch until she met the Chancellor’s daughter. To be fair, Valentina seemed like she wanted to kill Brynleigh, too, so the hatred went both ways.
What had Ryker ever seen in her?
Hallie leaned close and looked out the window over Brynleigh’s shoulder.
“I’m not usually one to judge others, but their wedding seemed like a lot. Too much, if I’m being honest.”