“I look like a fucking princess, Aleksei. I’m not wearing this. I might not care about my reputation, but this is awful.” Turning, I look in the mirror behind me. “There are literal butterflies coming off this dress. Who in God’s name would wear this?”

Aleksei behind me was chuckling. “I mean, lots of girls. Everyone wants to be a princess, Rosaria.”

“Yeah, until they actually become a princess. Then they regret ever wanting it.”

“You have a unique perspective on the ...