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 of money 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.”
Oh, she was definitely being honest. Faerie Wine had that effect on some people—it loosened tongues and made people lose their inhibitions.
“Her veil was purportedly an ancient relic from the Rose Empire, and her shoes were encrusted with diamonds. It was all rather opulent,” Hallie continued, eyes wide. “Her flowers and Edward’s tie were dusted in gold.”
All the while, people were starving in the streets. Because, of course, the Chancellor’s daughter would have a luxurious, absurdly elaborate, over-the-top wedding while others suffered.
That fucking tracked.
“That’s… interesting.”
Eventually, Valentina turned and entered the Hall of Choice.
“Mhmm. Oh, we’re moving!” Hallie swayed, bumping into Brynleigh.
Chuckling, Brynleigh steadied her friend as she took in the scene outside.
Four soldiers guarded the entrance. They weren’t in uniform, and their black suits were just as crisp as any partygoer’s clothes, but no suit and tie could disguise their military strength or the power they oozed.