AT THE SAME TIME
MICHAEL
By the time we made it to the grand banquet table, half the guests were pretending not to eavesdrop and the other half were actively betting on who'd claim Charlie first, a romantic farce disguised as diplomacy. Rose shoved a knife into Charlie's hand like it was divine punishment.
"Cut the cake." She said flatly. "Smile. Pretend you're not about to get abducted by royalty."
"I can't smile right now!" Charlie hissed, eyes darting toward the far end of the courtyard, where Wanessa now stood, fanning herself with deliberate grace while five noble heirs tripped over each other trying to impress her. "She's watching me!"
Selene smiled serenely, handing him a second knife.
"Then make it quick, child. Symbolic actions attract less attention when done decisively."Selene said.
Rose raised an eyebrow.
"Translation, stab the cake before she stabs your social life."Rose grinned.
