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Head high, Roseanne stomped down the hall. "'Yours, I believe.' Does he really believe that horseshit? What an ass!"
Lisa chuckled. "I tried to warn you."
Cupping Roseanne's elbow, she slowed her progress. "Easy. You don't want to fall down the stairs."
Roseanne sniffed. "I will not fall."
Pulling her arm free, she placed her hand on the railing and descended the stairs carefully.
Kai caught up with Lisa at the top of the stairs and flashed a smile. "Singy doesn't stand a chance."
Because Kai's remark still rankled, Roseanne sailed down the stairway much less intimidated than she might have been by rooms full of people who were all taller than her. That in itself was a unique experience. She was used to being taller than almost everyone else, especially the women. Standing in the receiving line with Lisa and her parents, Roseanne, for the first time in her life, felt short.
As Lisa and Roseanne received their guests, Kai wandered through the crowded house. Lisa's bride was the main topic of conversation. Everyone was very curious about her, especially those unmarried women who had been hoping to be in that position themselves. Singy had spent most of the afternoon belittling Roseanne in every way she could to everyone she met.
Most of the guests, however, had taken one look at Roseanne's exotic beauty, her challenging dragon, and the fortune in diamonds she wore and had known that Lisa was more than content with her wife. Singy was a fool if she thought she was still interested in her.
"That should be everyone, Lisa," Xdana said. "Find Roseanne a comfortable sofa."
Sighing, Roseanne made herself comfortable. "My feet are killing me."
Jennie cocked her head to the side. "What?"
Lisa leaned over. "Do you want me to get you something?"
Roseanne waved her away. "No. Go mingle. Everyone will think you're afraid to let me say anything without your approval. I'm more than a setting for valuable jewels."
Lisa grinned. She should have known that anyone who could face down the Dowager Hardan queen would have no trouble with her relatives.
Jennie immediately made Roseanne stand back up so she could get a closer look at her bridal net. "I have never seen such delicate weaving," she said with wonder. She herself wore her own bridal net, an ancient net of silver and pale emeralds that had been handed down from mother to eldest daughter in her family for generations. "Whoever did this weaving for Lisa could make a fortune on Mediria."
Roseanne smiled to herself. She'd overheard numerous comments about the jewelry she wore, a fair amount of it envious. From what she gathered, Gattan diamonds were extremely rare and almost impossible to purchase. Lisa must feel something for her if she gave her such valuable jewels.
Jennie and Roseanne had just settled themselves on the sofa when Kai sauntered over. Handing Roseanne a glass, he said, "Lisa said this Deslossian red is your favorite. You have to be thirsty after all that hello'ing and how-do-you-do'ing."
Lisa smiled to herself as she saw the men gather around Jennie and Roseanne.
Next to her, Jamiros frowned and took a step forward.
