#Chapter 178: Golden Sunset Blue Sapphire

Iris “Hold still. I don’t want to burn you.” I make a face at my reflection in the vanity mirror but obey my mother’s command, stilling my fidgeting hands in my lap. We’re in my bedroom at my parents’ house, which has been transformed into a styling headquarters for the day. “Are you sure about this?” my mother asks as she wraps a strand of my hair around the hot iron. “The Solstice Ceremony is the biggest social event of the year. Everyone who’s anyone will be there.” “Including the press,” Alice adds from her perch on my bed, where she’s meticulously painting her own nails a deep burgundy color. “You know they’ll be watching you two like hawks.” “I know,” I sigh. “But Arthur says it’s our chance to show a united front. To prove that all the rumors about us are just that—rumors.” My mother exchanges a glance with Alice, and I can tell they’re both skeptical. Neither of them is particularly fond of Arthur right now, but they respect my decision.