Page 49 of Leader

“See, I told you. You’re just being paranoid,” Lupa interjects.

Morgana relaxes and we sit down as she confides that she’s preferring life now, with Arthur in charge. Apparently, he’s doing his best to implement changes in the Hatt ranks. He’s no longer tolerating that people get mistreated based on skin tone, sexuality, or just because they breathe funny.

“He’s harsh, but he is more than fair. He has already cleaned house in the ranks, and people actually have to apply for positions. Nothing is given based on your bloodline.” She beams with pride as she describes what her brother is like.

Guilt gnaws at me as I realize I might have to be the one who shatters her world view. If Alexander doesn’t step up, I’ll have to tell her. Isodon’t want to do that.

“What about Remus?” I ask, deflecting. “How are things under his leadership?”

Lupa throws herself into a long-winded explanation about the new Russo Leader. “Remus is amazing. He’s already executed fifteen people just for insulting me based solely on my sexuality.” The Russo Heiress looks like she’s imitating her girlfriend as she studies her cuticles. “He even asked me to introduce him to whomever I’m dating.”

“What?” Morgana gasps, sharply. “Have you told him?”

Lupa’s expression can only be described as hopeful as she answers, “No.” Then she looks at Morgana, and adds, “But I want to. I really don’t think he would mind.”

I’m surprised when the Hatt Protégé turns her brilliantly blue eyes on me. “What do you have to say to this? Do you think we should…” she swallows audibly. “Come out. God, I hate that term. But for lack of a better one, do you think we should?”

One glance at Lupa proves she’s as taken aback by the question as I am. I don’t need any of them to tell me it’s a big deal that Morgana is including me, hell, even asking for my advice.

As I stand up I feel inspired, and a plan forms in my head. “I think we should get out of here. None of these dresses are right for Halloween. In fact, as the female Ruler, I demand that you dress up in costumes. If any of your Leaders have an issue with that, I’ll make Kai send out an official, written demand.”

It’s hard not to giggle as they both stare at me, their jaws practically hitting the floor.

“I also think you should come to mine for New Year’s. We’ll have a small gathering… just me, my guys, Arthur, Gwenda, you two, and Remus.” I try to remember if the Russo Leader is seeing anyone, and if he is, is it someone trustworthy? “Is Remus still single?”

Lupa confirms her cousin isn’t seeing anyone.

I nod and reiterate that it will just be us.

“Are you sure?” Morgana asks.

Lupa swats her playfully. “Don’t question the female Ruler. If she wants us in costumes, who are we to question it?” Then she looks at me and says, “Thank you, Cia. For all your help, your support, and—”

I wave her off. “No thanks necessary.”

“Still,” Morgana says. “Thank you for keeping our secret.”

Secret… my head is so full of secrets it might just explode if I don’t start shining a light on some of them.

I give the Hatt—who’s actually a Drákon—a toothy grin. “Some of us know how to keep a kiss a secret, Morgana,” I say, grinning when I can practically see when the double meaning hits her.

Yeah, I haven’t forgotten she told Gus and Liam that Remus was my first kiss.

“So where are we going to get costumes on such short notice?” Lupa asks, clearly wanting to change the subject.

I smile as I tell them about Paris and her amazing team that can pretty much make anything at a moment’s notice. They both agree, and we leave after ringing up our purchases. Morgana decided to keep the blue dress, Lupa bought a green one, and I added a red strapless dress that looked amazing on the mannequin.

“Ugh, I can’t wait for the Heir Tournament to be over,” Morgana gripes as we leave.

Both Lupa and I voice our agreement. It barely feels like it’s been a month since the Claiming, and yet, almost six months have gone by. Between our obligations, traveling, and world-tilting-upside-down news it’s been a whirlwind.

“Boysandgirlsofevery age, Wouldn’t you like to see something strange?”

Cia’s singing reaches us when she exits the bathroom. Together with Kai and Liam, I’m sitting outside by the pool in Kai’s house, waiting until she allows us to come back inside.

When Paris and Mary arrived to help her get ready, the little minx kicked us out, demanding complete privacy while getting ready for tonight’s Halloween festivities. That was hours ago… as in, over six hours have passed and she’s still hiding in there.

“This is Halloween, this is Halloween, Pumpkins scream in the dead of night.”

---