Page 81 of Queen of Volts

While they waited in line for the coat check, Grace pulled the four of them in a huddle. “Remember,” she said, keeping her voice low. “Several dances. At least one kiss. And hold your piss if you must—you’re both to stay glued to one another all night. I want it to look like you can’t get enough of each other.”

“But what if—” Levi started.

“No buts. Just pretend to be happy.”

After they’d checked their coats, Enne and Levi entered the ballroom, decorated elaborately in the colors of the Republic’s flag. Though the guests numbered far fewer than the event at St. Morse, Levi recognized many faces as the same. Perhaps those not in attendance had been, like Levi, uneager to attend another party so soon. Even with whiteboots stationed along the walls, prepared on the off chance Bryce Balfour decided to make an encore, Levi felt similarly in these crowds as he had after the meeting with the Chancellor.

It will only take one mistake,his father’s voice warned,and they will change their minds about your pardon.

Levi had to believe that wasn’t true. He’d ended the state of emergency in the North Side. He’d legitimized the Irons when he’d bought the casino. But he couldn’t shake the urge, ever-present in the darkest corners of his mind, to run.

Arm in arm, he and Enne headed toward the bar and tables of set hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Enne arranged a plate of cookies while Levi ordered them drinks: a Snake Eyes for him, and a Hotsy Totsy for her.

“No Gambler’s Ruin?” Enne asked him. “I thought that was your drink of choice.”

“It’s a drink for winning streaks, and I have felt far from lucky lately,” he answered darkly. “Besides, I don’t really intend to drink. I need all my wits about me.”

“I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind something to relax.” She nodded over Levi’s shoulder, and he turned to spot Chancellor Fenice in a circle of politicians, many of whom donned their signature powdered wigs even outside of the Senate chambers. They hovered at the edge of the dance floor, and after a moment of staring, Levi watched their gazes turn to them.

Enne grabbed Levi’s hand. He didn’t know if it was for support or part of the show.

Before he could decide which he’d like it to be, Enne stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek, and he scowled and whipped toward her.

“Can’t you...I don’t know...warn me?” he snapped.

“Levi,” Enne said sharply.

“No, I’m tired of feeling like a prop. It’s been a month. If the City of Sin isn’t going to pardon you after me buying you chocolate, or a paddleboat on the Brint, or a five-course dinner, then they’re not going to—”

“Levi,”Enne repeated, and someone cleared their throat behind him.

When he turned, the Chancellor stood directly in front of him. She smiled coldly, and Levi instantly sobered. “Mr. Glaisyer, Miss Scordata. Trouble in paradise?” Her gaze focused on Enne. “So nice of you to actually join us this time. I must say, it gives a much better impression.”

“You’ll forgive me if I’m wary of your invitations,” Enne said tightly.

“So you left your beau to face the potential danger of my meeting alone, while he expected you to join him?” Fenice shook her head. “Your act is completely transparent.”

The bartender handed Levi their drinks, and despite his earlier words, Levi couldn’t resist the urge to take a long, desperate gulp.

“I have no idea what you’re insinuating,” Enne said lightly, snaking her hand around his waist. Levi forced himself to smile. “We’ve never been happier.”

“So you’ve also been completely disregarding the game that Bryce created?” Fenice’s eyes roamed over the crowd in the room, as though the Devil lurked amid the glints of diamonds and silken waistcoats.

“Not disregarding. We’re just...” Enne squeezed Levi tighter and smiled. “Distracted.”

Before the Chancellor could respond, Enne tugged on Levi’s side.

“If you’ll excuse us,” Enne said, “we only came here to dance.” Then she steered Levi to the opposite end of the ballroom, nearly making him spill the drinks he carried on the guests they passed.

“What was that, Levi?” Enne demanded, snatching her Hotsy Totsy out of his hands. “I know you’re angry with me, but you can’t do that. Not here.”

“I didn’t know Fenice was right behind us,” he grumbled.

The couple beside them brushed against Levi’s shoulder, making him tense. He didn’t like standing among such heavy crowds, surrounded by strangers who mightnotconsider them their favorite North Side couple. Who might wish them harm, wish them dead. He’d learned from Enne that a person could conceal a number of weapons beneath their skirt.

“It doesn’t matter if there was no one behind us. I knowyoualready have your pardon, but I don’t.” Enne downed her Hotsy Totsy in one gulp. “Maybe I should’ve known better than to ask a favor from you when you have nothing to gain from it.”

“Funny,” he said coolly, “I don’t recall you asking.”