"Why does Cress always get to wear the best clothes!" Iko crosses her arms, frowning deeply. "I mean, why can't I enjoy a secret mission in fabulous clothing every once in a while? Cress get's to have all the fun." She whines.

Iko paces around the shorter girl, hands migrating to her hips. She pouts. It must really be an injustice.

Cress looks more like an angel with butterfly wings than an actual butterfly. It's her fluttery blonde eyelashes and the soft curls framing her face. She floats—wobbles—in the heels. She lifts her arms and the sleeves lift with them. Her clear blue eyes widen as she takes herself in, all glimmer and glitter.

"Cress is risking her life to do this." Cinder reminds her, frowning just as deeply. She pokes her head back into the closet.

"Besides!" Thorne adds, "You're too pretty for all of these clown suits. Tell me I don't look as ridiculous as I feel." He fidgets with his suit cuffs, tugging them further down on his wrists.

"Nonsense!" Iko chirps, "I elevate everything I put on! It's a talent."

She saunters over to him and begins to fuss with his plum bowtie. Her fingers curl under the edges as she tugs it into shape. How domestic. And nice. This is genuinely nice.

Iko looks up at him through her lashes, and winks.

He feels his face heat and grins.

Cress crashes into them a moment later. She and Iko hit the floor. Thorne helps Cress and Iko back to their feet. Both women cling to his arms. He feels incredibly masculine and powerful for about 17 seconds.

"Maybe ridiculous is the word of the day." He teases, giving Cress a full look up and down.

"Hey Captain," Iko fusses, "Stop checking out her legs!"

He shrugs, grinning with special appreciation. "What can I say? I'm a connoisseur of the finer things in life. Legs are one of the finest things." He carves curves into the air with a hand.

Cinder rolls her eyes as she exits the closet and tosses a new pair of heels their way. "Here Cress, try these on."

Iko laughs. She helps Cress remove the heels. "Well Captain, you're in for a treat then!"

She slips the first pair of shoes on and begins to prance around the room. He oohs and awws appreciatively. Cress joins in by clapping awkwardly. She gets points for effort but it's clear her heart isn't in it.

"Stunning Iko." And Thorne whistles.

"Oh, yes," Iko cooes, "I am keeping these."

Thorne drapes his arm over Cress's shoulder. "How do we look?" He directs at Cinder before she can disappear again.

Cinder scratches her neck. "I guess you look Lunar?"

"Why thank you, ma'am. I've never felt more complimented." He does a little bow.

He nudges Cress and she attempts to curtsey. Before she can tumble forward again, he catches her. She's about as light as a feather.

Cinder's expression hardens and she looks away.

A rather uncharitable thought comes to mind. Bet she doesn't look at Kai this way. He's only the recipient of Cinder's affection, never her jealousy. Thorne wonders what the prince would have to do to receive even a measure of Cinder's attention.

Then he thinks better of it.

Thorne only gets to hug her when she's unconscious—or the rare occasions when he returns from the dead. Kai has him beat.

"I guess that's it." Says Cinder as she scans Cress and Thorne's outfits again. "Are we ready?"

"If anyone answers no to that question," Says Jacin as he appears in the hallway with a scowl and tapping fingers. "I'm leaving without you."

His eyes catch on Cress and his scowl tightens. But, it changes slightly. So slight is the shift from irritation to frustration that unless you're watching him for it, you'd never notice.

Hmm. Throne thinks. Frustration?

Cress wobbles over to Thorne and fidgets with her swooping sleeves. "I guess I'm ready."

Thorne chucks her under the chin. "What, are you saying you don't feel that bravery and determination coursing through your veins?"

She ducks her head and he can't make out her mumbled response.

Once again out of the corner of his eyes, Thorne notices Jacin's scowl deepen.

Jealousy. How very Cinder of the ex-guard.

He grins, saunters up to Jacin and throws his arm around his neck. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be, partner!"

He winks at Cress.

She flushes and looks away.

Cinder rolls her eyes.

Iko is too busy with the killer heels to catch on.

Jacin throws Thorne's arm off and moves for the exit, waving their ragtag group out of the house.