Page 78 of Dewpoint
Again, Zevran took it in stride and focused on Myriam. “We’ve never been intimate, I’ve never had any feelings forher in that way even if I recognize her beauty, and there has never been any flirting with intent. Only teasing other people don’t deserve us and harmless comments about looking hot or perfect.”
Myriam nodded that it was true as she glanced at me. “Which makes sense given she’s a fabulous designer.” She glanced at Andra. “Big fan actually which was the only reason I voted for this.” She smirked when the dragon seemed hesitant and held up her phone. “I’ve been following you on Instagram for two years. Your designs are gorgeous.”
Andra moved closer out of curiosity not disbelief. Myriam would have no reason to lie. Her eyes flashed shock. “I recognize your screen name. You always leave nice comments and hearts.”
“I do,” Myriam confirmed, her eyes for me. “But Andra doesn’t have wealthy parents or the right connections to get her brand off the ground since she wants to do it theright way. She doesn’t want to screw others in the process or—she wants to change the fashion industry.”
I was about to cut off the pitch, but Treena slipped something in first, already having figured out I needed money.
“It’s normal for a royal or noble to work with a private designer. I do, and I get a cut of the profits since the advertisement of me wearing the designs is priceless. I give half to my charities.”
“I know of the arrangement—not the exact details, but I was hoping the same,” Andra hurried to say.
“Back up,” I interjected, holding my hands up and focusing on Zevran. “So your idea to set yourself apart was to get me into a room handling something I needed but also where I would be undressing and you’d get a free show?”
His eyes went wide and he threw back his head laughing. Ignoring it was a good laugh, I simply raised my eyebrow at the response.
“He’ll be leaving, Sagan,” Maple chuckled.
“He hasn’t said that,” I purred.
He calmed down and nodded. “Yes, I will be leaving. This was just the introduction, and now you have two hours to handle something you’ve needed instead of another breakfast to bore you.”
I was grateful, but I didn’t think breakfast withhimwould be boring.
“Be somewhere visible,” I told him.
Velle figured it out first. “You think someone will turn it around. It’s why we did breakfast and not dinner.”
I met her gaze. “I wore a tank top in my own home and I’ve been a slut for weeks. Yes, I think somehow this could be turned around as a romantic fashion show thatIset up to seduce the top five hottest ranked.” I frowned and glanced at Treena. “Six? I forgot who was ranked what. It’s all gross.”
“It is,” just about everyone said, including Zevran, which made me like him better.
He accepted it in stride. “With your permission, I heard several ask the protocol to go flying while at the castle. I think that was the only thing missing off our orientation. I would ask we all gather with Benson’s right hand and go over it.”
“I believe that’s scheduled for tomorrow, but someone can skip breakfast to make it work,” Lydia said, already messaging someone.
“Thank you,” I accepted from both of them. I let out a slow breath and focused on Andra while waving Zevran to the door. “Okay, you’ve got two hours to get this off the list of all the women here besides me.” I mentally sighed when her face fell.
“She’s the one they’re constantly talking about, so it’s like caving to the pressure,” Treena defended. “She’s worried about what they’ll try to make her cave to next if she caves to this.However, it’s normal to get a wardrobe update with apromotion. Refresh even after another degree—let’s just get some more clothes for you, okay?”
I went to say something but chuckled right as Zevran reached the door. “You’re going to confirm my breasts are real, aren’t you?” I snickered when everyone froze. “It’s one of the things that has pissed off the women in this room more than almost anything—the amount of women in the nation who have been running their mouths that I stuffed my bra.”
Andra smirked at me. “I’ve spoken with Toni and whether this works or not, I’ll handle it. And yes, I’m one of the furious women, Your Majesty. You’re a gorgeous woman, and too manywomenin the country are just as toxic as the men. They’re jealous you have real power when they don’t. Instead of working harder to change the system, they’ll tear you down.”
“We like her a lot,” Treena chuckled.
I could see why.
Zevran slipped out then after wishing us all luck. Andra normally posted couture designs from what Myriam quickly showed me but promised the designer understood the assignment. Yes, I would need some new dresses that would be worthy of a queen, but a queenruler.
We were not turning me into my mother who constantly wore gowns to everything and now what too many sexist fools expected of me. It was honestly one of thelistof reasons I was so pissed with her.
Would it have fucking killed her toeverhave worn pants? There was no reason she couldn’t have done a nice suit for brunch or functions. She just caved to the expectations at every turn instead of having a spine.
And made my life that much more difficult because of it.
Great mother.
