Chapter 2

Senator Clarkson looks down at me, her expression unreadable. Then, a flicker of amusement crosses her face. She sees the game. She understands power.

"Security," she says, her voice calm but carrying absolute authority. "Escort Ms. Stella Fuller from the premises. Her employment is terminated, effective immediately."

Two guards move toward Stella, who stands frozen, her mouth agape.

"And Jocelyn," the Senator adds, her eyes still locked on mine. "Be in my office at 8 a.m. tomorrow. We have work to do."

Stella finally finds her voice, a shrill cry of disbelief. "Jocelyn! What are you doing? You're a bootlicker! You're defending this corrupt system!"

I don't even look at her as the guards take her arms. I simply remain on my knees until she is gone, a silent, loyal subject before her queen.

Outside, the D.C. night is cool. The chaos of the gala spills onto the street. I see Ethan, my fiancé, rushing to Stella's side. He puts a comforting arm around her as she sobs theatrically.

"Stella, are you okay? That was incredible, what you did. So brave."

I walk straight up to them.

"Ethan," I say, my voice flat. "Take your hands off my sister."

He glares at me, his face a mask of indignation. "Jocelyn, what is wrong with you? Your sister was just humiliated! She needs support!"

"She needs to learn her place," I reply. "And so do you. You are my fiancé. Consoling my sister like this is inappropriate, and you know it."

His face turns red with anger. "Maybe I don't want to be your fiancé anymore! This whole thing is a sham!"

"It is," I agree, my tone icy. "It's a political arrangement brokered by our parents and the Vice President to consolidate power. If you want to break it, feel free. But don't come crying to me when your father's firm loses its access and your career on K Street is over. Take it up with them, if you think you can win a political war against my father and the VP."

Ethan's jaw clenches. He knows I'm right. He is trapped. He looks from me to the crying Stella, his supposed righteous crusader, and for the first time, I see a flicker of fear in his eyes.