“Look,” said Rodriguez, “just think about it. You’d fly up in the rankings, and I just know you’d enjoy yourself more than on The Committee for Experimental Charms, who I know is going to be able to offer you a higher pay-”
“The pay doesn’t matter to me,” said Maeve curtly.
“Ah,” said Rodriguez, glancing about the room, “of course.”
“I will think about it, yes. Thank you.”
Rodriguez gave her a nod and stood to take his leave. Maeve walked him to the door.
“Oh,” he said, turning towards her, “I almost forgot.” He whispered now. “Did you really jump through minds straight to Kietel himself?”
Maeve stepped back slightly. She didn’t smile triumphantly, though Daniel was looking at her like she should be.
“I did,” was all she said.
“Damn,” whispered Rodriguez. “I knew it was true.” He stood rubbing his chin for a moment. “Head Assistant Secretary then. Just consider it as you enter your last year at Vaukore. The offer is valid until you graduate.”
Maeve mustered a smile. “Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez.”
Chapter 25
The most anticipated party of the summer arrived, and lucky for Maeve, it was the Sinclair’s turn to host it. Abraxas whined as Maeve was still changing her hair in her enchanted vanity. It was pulled up in a loose twist.
“Come on,” said Abraxas. “I want to hear about your duel with Arianna.”
“Patience,” said Maeve.
She looked in the mirror once more and envisioned her hair pulled back in braids, with soft curls falling to her shoulders. The magic of the vanity took effect and adjusted her hairstyle perfectly. She wondered if Mal would like it way.
“How’s Mal doing down there?” Asked Maeve as she observed herself in the mirror.
“Charming everyone, as expected,” said Abraxas.
Maeve smirked and started to change her hair once more.
“No. That looks fine,” said Abraxas snappily. “Don’t change it again. The party started an hour ago.”
Abraxas pulled her downstairs and into the drawing-room. They took a seat as Maeve recounted every detail of her duel with Arianna to him.
“About time,” said Abraxas, slapping her on the leg. “Sure Mal was proud.”
Maeve shrugged, though she knew he was.
“Miss Sinclair, Mr. Rosethorn.”
They looked over as Mr. Carroll Iantrose plopped himself down opposite them. He was utterly intoxicated by the sluggish look of him.
“Mr. Iantrose,” said Abraxas. “Good to see you.” Abraxas turned his attention back to Maeve. “Oh- I almost forgot. We have tickets to the Hapstrum World Series at the end of the month-”
“I see you brought a boy home,” said Mr. Iantrose, smacking his lips together in such a way that Abraxas recoiled at the sound.
“Well, when you put it that way, it does sound a certain type of way, doesn’t it?” Maeve said cooly.
She had little interest in conversing with Mr. Iantrose, who was known to spew nonsense once he had one too many drinks.
“Anyway,” said Abraxas, “if you want to-“
“I’m saying I wouldn’t-t-t tado that,” interrupted Mr. Iantrose.
