"Smile, Wife. The shareholders are evaluating the acquisition."
The flashbulbs were a strobe light of white heat. The grand ballroom of the Manila Peninsula Hotel had been rented out entirely, transformed into a sea of white orchids and black velvet draping.
Yanna stood beside Camille at the entrance to the ballroom, serving as the physical gatekeeper to the reception.
"I am smiling, Sovereign," Yanna whispered, her jaw aching from the forced, vacant expression.
"It is tight," Camille murmured, turning her head to wave at a passing senator. Her voice never rose above a conversational murmur, meant only for Yanna's ear. "The corners of your mouth are trembling. The drug is wearing off."
"My metabolism... it is processing the chemical."
"Is the ego returning, Pet?"
"No, Mistress. The void is intact."
