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“Is that the character you wanted, though?”

“I mean, I had my eye on the thief, but I can do whatever. Or we can scrap this and choose a different costume idea.”

“You can change your costume,” Mark tells me. “We won’t care.”

“You’ll look hot no matter what you do, Quinn,” Sanjivsays.

Kashvi slaps him on the shoulder. “Eww, don’t call herhot!”

He throws up his arms. “I was trying to be reassuring! Come on, am I wrong?”

He glances around the room, looking for support, and my disobedient eyes head straight for Logan even though my brain screams,Don’t look at him!

His eyes are already on me, pupils dark and Adam’s apple bobbing. I flush at his expression. If this is his response to only the idea of the costume, then I’d be better off claiming the character who wears the huge billowing cloak. Although…I pull my lip between my teeth and glance back at the picture of Diana. I’m not walking around a comic store in a glorifiedswimsuit, but I bet Icouldmake it my own. I have a few pieces that could work, and Grandma might have something in the attic.

Even with my changes, it would still be completely out of my comfort zone. A costume like this draws attention. That’s not something I’m usually up for, but if I’m surrounded by the rest of my party, then it sounds fun. Maybe even empowering.

“Actually, I love this,” I tell the others. “I’ll be Diana.”

“Are you sure?” Kashvi asks. “I don’t want you feeling bullied into it as the newest member.”

The fact that she’d be worried about that only makes me feel better.

“I’m absolutely sure.” I smile reassuringly.

We start the session right on time, to make sure we don’t lose any impatient viewers, and Sloane uses their gravelly voice to remind us of where we left off, having been captured and taken to a palace.

“The five of you are brought into a palatial throne room in chains. The ceiling soars above you and elaborate mosaic art along the walls tells the story of a brave man who has defeated every foe in his path,” Sloane tells us.

“Is it me?” Rolo asks excitedly.

We all laugh and roll our eyes.

“No, it is not, Rolo. The art depicts King Thalun, who sits on the throne on a dais above you. As the guards bring you in front of him, he stands and looks down at you with ahaughty expression. His clothes are regal, but his face is haggard and there are dark circles under his eyes.” Sloane clears their voice. “I see my guards have finally brought you to me, though not without trouble. I had not anticipated such a fight from you five.”

I glance around at the others. It’s clear that someone needs to speak to the king on behalf of the group. To my surprise, the others are looking to me. Sure, I was able to get the equipment back last time, but I’m also the reason we’re standing here.

I wait another second, but when it’s clear no one else is going to speak, I sit up and look directly at Sloane. “Sir—”

“Your Majesty.”

So it’s going to be like that. I’m not off to a great start.

“Your Majesty, we request to know on what grounds you have taken us prisoner. We have done you no wrong, and only wish to be free to pursue our own endeavors.”

“It is true that not all of you have brought harm to me. But one of you has and is in my service.” Sloane turns to Logan. “Adris Starcrown, known rogue and thief, you stole a locket that was very precious to me years ago. You eluded my escape before, but now you will pay for your crimes.”

My eyes widen, as do the others around the table.

“And…if I may ask,” I continue, “why have the rest of us been brought before you?”

“I had you captured because I need a magic user, and the fact that you are a dwarf will serve my purposes even better.” Sloane’s focus slides to the twins, then to Mark. “As for you two, do you not recognize your own father?”

We all gasp, then exchange excited looks with each other. Sometimes Ireallylove D&D.

“Daddy?!” Rolo cries, and we all burst out laughing.

Sloane tries to keep a grim expression, though I can tell they want to laugh too. “Your Majesty.”