Page 44 of Red King

Sure enough, the Tributes start to pour in. Paisley hurries over and then ushers them toward the table to get their name tags. From there, I watch her send them to the bar area.

Even though they’re all decked out in pretty cocktail dresses, Paisley stands out among the others. I’m not sure if it’s her unique coloring or if it’s just her.

“Wow! They’re beautiful,” Smoke says in a voice filled with awe. “We’ve been instructed to stay away, at least until we get our little introductions out of the way.” He sighs, sounding nervous all over again.

“It’s just a short introduction about yourself. You’ll be fine.”

“I feel sick.” Smoke looks like he might throw up at any second. “I’m so worried I will say something stupid or forget what I want to say completely. That I’ll stand up there like a complete fool.”

“You’ll be just fine. Just be yourself. Say a few things about you. Don’t overthink it.”

“Okay…fine…I will. You’re right; I can do this.” He sounds determined but still really nervous.

Although there are plenty of waiters serving drinks off of trays, some of the ladies head to the bar. They stick together in the same way as before, only I don’t get a sense of fear like I did with the demonstration. Everyone seems more at ease. Perhaps because they know exactly what to expect and have been properly briefed this time. Perhaps because we males have cleaned up nicely. Everyone is in a suit and tie. The males look…good.

The entertainment hall has been done up with streamers and balloons. There are flowers on the tables and at the bar. The waiters are wearing suits and bow ties. It’s all very sophisticated and upmarket. There has been no expense spared on the food, and real French champagne is being served. We’re hoping to make the right impression this time.

The Tributes keep glancing our way and chatting among themselves. I get a sense of excitement. I already feel like we’re headed in the right direction with Paisley on board.

My eye drifts back to the woman in question. It looks like she and Cathy are exchanging words. They look tense. Cathy’s jaw is tight, and her movements jerky. It doesn’t last because she soon nods and walks over to the podium that was erected earlier today.

“Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the first meet-and-greet cocktail evening.” She smiles broadly as everyone claps. Her eyes move across the room before landing on me, where they linger for a few moments before moving on. “You will find bathrooms on both sides of the hall. Men to the right.” She gestures in that direction. “And women to the left.” Once again, she gestures. “Please help yourselves to drinks and snacks. Our fantastic waiters are here to serve you, or you can make your way to the bar.” She pauses and licks her lips. “For those of you feeling a little peckish, the canapés will be ready shortly. Gents, I hope you came prepared?” She pauses, looking around the room…her gaze once again landing on me. “We can’t wait to hear how you have summed yourself up in a few concise sentences. Please keep it short and sweet. I can say with authority that the ladies are dying to meet all of you.” She sucks in a breath. “Would candidate number one please come up and introduce yourself? Can the rest of you start to line up so that the introductions flow from one to the next? Then it’s important that you mingle and get to know one another. We have a few tricks up our sleeve to make sure it happens. Enjoy your evening.”

There is more clapping. I join in this time.

“So that’s her…this female who has you in knots,” Steel says, coming up next to me. He is holding a tumbler with soda and a slice of lemon in the glass. “Paisley, you said her name was.” He smirks at me.

“She doesnothave me in knots. But yes, that’s her. She’s my employee, nothing more.”

He makes this noise that has me looking at him. His gaze is on Paisley. “She’s—”

“Don’t even say it. Unless you want to use the term ‘efficient’ or ‘professional.’ Something along those lines would be good, but anything else…don’t you dare, Steel.”

“I was going to say professional.”

I start to relax.

“That and fucking sexy. It’s a dangerous combination.”

I choke out a laugh completely against my will. “Stop your shit. Let’s move on, shall we?”

“Fine. Whatever you want. I must say, I can’t wait to hear what you have prepared about yourself.” He takes a sip of his soda. “I mean, it’s not like you can announce to everyone that you’re the king.”

“Shhhhhhhh.”

“The females are way over there. Relax.” He smiles.

“I’ll be vague but as honest as possible.”

“That’s what I’m worried about. If you want to meet a female, you need to open up a little. If I know you, you won’t give much away about yourself, and that would be a mistake.”

I avert my attention as the first male takes the podium. He adjusts his tie and clears his throat as he reaches for the microphone.

“Good evening, everyone. My name is Hammer, and I head up our tech department here on the island. In my free time, I enjoy both hiking and flying in the mountains. I’m an avid hunter and prefer to hunt in my human form. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you incredible ladies here tonight.” Hammer gives a nervous smile before stepping down from the podium.

The ladies clap.

The next candidate takes his place. “Good evening, my name is…”

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