The woman in red stood on the steps, introducing herself as the wife of the Minister of Defense, Larissa Ferdinand, and - as if on cue - Ferdinand beamed emptily as his wife of fair skin and dark hair with a winged eyeliner brought the room back to herself. 

Flashing those pearly-white teeth with a depth of a smile that mirrored her husband’s own, she began, “On behalf of the ministry, I’d like to thank all of you for attending this year. Yes, that includes my own husband.”

Barks of laughter followed as Ferdinand feigned embarrassment.

By Sush’s ear, Greg muttered, “Can they get anymore perfect for each other?”

Her...