Many people stood nervously, anticipation thick in the air, as if their hearts were lodged in their throats. They could feel every beat pulsing louder with each second that passed. Everyone was silently contemplating what they would say if chosen. Whoever got called first would certainly hesitate.
But Amari wasn't one of them. She had long since stopped worrying about being called early.
She knew with certainty—Alexander would never let her be called first.
She took a deep breath, composed herself, and whispered under her breath, "I'll just go to the restroom."
Alexander turned his head and gave her a lingering look, his eyes deep and unreadable. Then he nodded slowly and said in a low voice, "Go ahead, Amari. Don't be nervous."
Don't be nervous.
Such a subtle choice of words. Everyone present belonged to the upper echelons of society—they were used to events like this. No one should feel nervous. At least, not in theory.
