Page 77 of Throne Off Course

Emilia groaned. “I really don’t think I—”

“It’syourexhibition, Emmy,” Harper said, finally turning to face her with an unimpressed stare. “This is literally the biggest professional moment of your career.Thegala beforeyourexhibition. Whereyourwork will be on display. Where every historian, curator, and donor with influence will be in one place, making decisions about what projects get funding next. So yeah, babe, you’re going.”

Emilia folded her arms, jaw tight. “You know who else will be there.”

Harper sighed. “Yes, obviously. But he’s not why you should go. You are not going to let the crown prince of terrible romantic decisions derailyour entire future.”

Emilia rubbed her temples. “It’s just—seeing him. It’s going to be torture, Harper. I told him it was over. Walking into thatroom, looking at him across the crowd, knowing I can’t—” She cut herself off. “It’s going to hurt.”

Harper softened, just a little. “Yeah. It is.” She reached for her wine, taking a thoughtful sip. “But you know what would hurt worse?”

Emilia arched an eyebrow.

“Letting him take this from you too,” Harper said.

Emilia exhaled, rubbing a hand over her face. “You are incredibly annoying when you’re right.”

“I know,” Harper said smugly. “Now, next problem—what are you wearing?”

Emilia groaned again, already regretting this conversation.

Later that night, when Emilia had gone to bed, Harper sat cross-legged on her own bed, scrolling through her phone. She hesitated for half a second before calling Sebastian.

The line rang three times before he picked up.

“Harper,” he answered, voice tinged with amusement. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I need a favor,” Harper said, cutting straight to the point.

Sebastian made an intrigued noise. “This sounds promising. Continue.”

“It’s about Emilia,” Harper said. “And your tragically lovesick friend.”

“Ah.” The single syllable carried an entire novel’s worth of meaning.

“So you know.”

“That Alexander looks like he’s starring in a period drama about doomed love? Yes, I’m aware.”

Harper snorted. “Yeah, well, Emilia’s not exactly thriving either. She’s trying to be all noble about it, but she looks miserable. And the worst part?”

“Do tell.”

“Shewantsto go to the gala.Needsto go, professionally. But she’s convincing herself she shouldn’t because of him.” Harper huffed a breath. “So I’m making sure she goes anyway. But she refuses to let me buy her a dress, and she definitely doesn’t have gala money lying around.”

Sebastian chuckled. “Ah. And this is where I come in.”

“You’re rich and you like causing problems on purpose,” Harper said. “This felt like a natural solution.”

Sebastian paused, considering. “She won’t take it if she knows it’s from me.”

“Exactly. So we don’t tell her.”

“Devious,” Sebastian mused, clearly impressed. “Alright. I know a boutique. I’ll set something up. You just have to get her there.”

Harper grinned. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll handle that part.”

* * *