The Queen's Game

Chapter 15: The House Party Invitation

(Soleil's POV)

It’s a Friday evening, and I can already feel the weight of the weekend pressing down on me. Oakland’s got a different vibe—more dangerous, more gritty, and way more enticing than I thought it would be. I’ve been trying to get my bearings, figure out this new city, and honestly? It’s been tough. But tonight? Tonight, I’ve got a chance to step out of the bubble I’ve been living in and dive straight into the thick of it.

“Yo, Soleil!” Maya’s voice crackles through the phone, snapping me out of my thoughts. “You coming to the party tonight or what?”

I stare at the screen for a second, already knowing what she’s talking about. The one at Jaylen’s house. The one where everyone who's anyone will be. And I mean everyone. Especially Kehlani’s crew.

My stomach churns. I’m still not sure about this—about her, about the city, about getting caught up in something I’m not sure I’m ready for. The rumors about Kehlani Parrish have been swirling for weeks, each story more wild and dangerous than the last. “Kehlani’s ruthless,” Tiana said once, her eyes dark with warning. “She’s not the type you wanna mess with. She owns this city.”

But then, part of me is itching to go. To see it for myself, to understand what all the hype is about. Kehlani’s reputation is something that both fascinates and terrifies me. People say she’s untouchable, that nothing and no one crosses her without facing consequences.

“Yeah, I’ll go,” I reply, trying to sound confident even though my heart’s pounding. Maya practically screams on the other end.

“Girl, you better come through then! I’ll send you the address. It’s gonna be lit!”

Before I can hang up, I hear Kailani’s voice in the background. “Is Soleil really going? Is she ready for the shit that’s about to go down?”

I chuckle nervously, “You know me, Kailani. Always ready.”

But deep down, I don’t know if I am.

---

The sun sets, and it feels like the city’s breathing with me. I’m in my room, staring at my outfit, the dress I bought a few weeks ago for a special occasion I never ended up attending. It’s this black, tight little number with lace and a subtle shimmer that catches the light when I move. I love it. But tonight, I’m not sure if it’ll be enough.

I pull my hair into a sleek ponytail and swipe on some red lipstick. My mom always says, “A good red lip can get you through anything,” and tonight, I’m gonna need that confidence boost.

“Soleil!” My mom, Aurora, calls from downstairs. “Are you seriously going to a party tonight? Don’t tell me it’s that house party I heard about.”

I roll my eyes, even though she can’t see me. “Yeah, it’s that one.”

I hear her footsteps, and a second later, she’s standing in my doorway, hands on her hips. “Do you know who’s throwing that thing?”

I shrug. “Yeah, some guy named Jaylen. But it’s not just about him—Kehlani’s crew’s supposed to be there.”

Mom's brow furrows, and she crosses her arms. “Kehlani? Who the hell is that?”

My mom works hard, doing hair for everyone from the neighborhood regulars to the occasional celeb. She’s always been busy, so I don’t blame her for not knowing who Kehlani Parrish is. But I can feel the tension rising in her voice as she tries to make sense of it.

“Kehlani’s... complicated,” I say, choosing my words carefully. “She’s a big deal in this city. Some say she runs things around here.”

Mom tilts her head, eyes narrowing. “You don’t have to go to that party, Soleil. I don’t care how big her name is. You’re my baby, and I don’t want you getting involved in whatever mess they got going on.”