"Shit!" Emerald gasped, stepping back as the chilled splash of wine soaked into her dress.
"Oh no," came a sugary, venom-laced voice. "Did I do that?"
Emerald turned slowly, her eyes narrowing. "Alia."
Alia stood in front of her, wide-eyed and faux-concerned, her sequined dress sparkling too brightly under the firelight. While she maintained a perfect smile, her grip on the empty wine glass was anything but innocent.
"Oops," Alia said sweetly. "I wasn't looking."
"Clearly," Emerald muttered, brushing uselessly at the soaked front of her dress.
"Red wine's a disaster on black, don't you think?" Alia cooed. "But then again, you're good at covering stains, aren't you?"
Emerald's eyes flared. "Back off."
"Oh, come on," Alia said, stepping closer, "we're all adults here. No need to act like you're still the Luna. That seat's being filled." She tilted her chin proudly. "Rick's never been happier. I'm sure you've heard."
