I buttoned Velador’s grand duke jacket and admired his strapping appearance long enough for him to notice me staring. He side-smiled and side-eyed me anytime I bent over in this sleeveless, azure dress far from conservative enough for this venue. But I didn’t care. I was here to make a statement.

“Are you ready?”

I nodded and asked, “Are you ready to defend my honor?”

He smirked and we interlocked our arms as we exited the room. The crowd was larger than I ...