{Talia}
Talia watched Aegis pull Serilla onto the balcony like she was defusing a bomb.
[Unbelievable. She actually did it.]
Liora sat on the couch, looking equal parts relieved and confused. Her cream dress had ridden up slightly from where Serilla had been manhandling her thigh. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Talia crossed the ballroom in three strides.
"Come with me."
"Talia, I—"
"Now."
She grabbed Liora's hand and pulled her up, leading her through the crowd toward one of the side alcoves. Nobles gave them looks—some curious, some scandalized—but Talia didn't care. Let them talk.
The alcove was small. Private. Red velvet curtains blocked most of the view from the ballroom. A single glowing crystal provided soft light.
Liora pulled her hand free.
"You can't just drag me around like—"
"Why are you still letting her do that to you?"
"What?"
"Serilla." Talia crossed her arms. "She was all over you. Like she owned you."
"She was just—"
