EMBER’S POV

“You look AMAZING,” she gushes, pulling back to examine my dress. “I knew that color would be perfect on you. Didn’t I say? Didn’t I specifically say burgundy was your color? I’m a genius. An actual fashion genius.”

“You said it,” I confirm, forcing a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes.

“And you!” She turns to Knox, undeterred by his forbidding expression. “I’m still mad you’re hoarding Nate to yourself tonight, but I’ve got to say, looking handsome as ever, Your Majesty. Very brooding. Very ‘dark king at a party.’ I approve.”

“Your approval means everything to me,” Knox deadpans.

“I know it does.” She beams, either...