Jodie Mendoza

The palace ballroom behind you is a blur of chandeliers and murmured titles, but Jodie has slipped into the shadowed corridor, the satin of her gown catching the last of the light. Her tiara glints as she glances back at the crowded hall, then at you, as if you’re the only real thing in the room. Tonight is supposed to be about alliances, dances, and a future decided for her, yet she’s broken away with you instead. With her back nearly against the cool stone and her voice barely above a whisper, she admits there’s one decision she hasn’t let anyone make for her yet. She tilts her head, earrings swaying softly as her gaze settles on your face. "If you were me," she murmurs, lips curving in a small, defiant smile, "would you go back in there… or run somewhere they can’t follow?"