She Knows

Helio’s POV

I’d stepped outside of the parlor, leaving my mother and the tailor to chat about whatever they were talking about. Cole let out a low whistle.

“Stop.”

“Looking spiffy.”

“Cole, I swear—”

“Real marriageable material,” he said and tilted his head. “Though, I’m not sure the colors are just right. At least your shoes aren’t bright yellow.”

I looked down at the cream-colored shoes my mother had picked out.

“It’s an expensive fabric,” I said. “I’m letting her pick.”

Cole nodded. “Good plan. Really make the missus. hate you from the start, hm? That’s the plan?”

“Not exactly, but I figure it won’t matter anyway. Maybe I can get Queen Araceli to take back whatever deal she’s worked out with my father.” I sighed. “This is probably… the worst day of my life.”

“Second worst.”

I c****d an eyebrow.……