“You mortified Mother last night,” said Ariana.
Maeve smirked. “What did she say?”
Arianna’s mouth fell open. “You’re proud? You’re actually proud of embarrassing our family like that?”
Maeve laughed. “Embarrassing? I think we awed the entire crowd.”
Arianna’s lips formed a thin, tight line. “I would have never done something like that.”
“And look where it’s gotten you,” said Maeve. “Speaking of, how is Titus?”
Arianna’s cheeks flushed. “You’re delusional.”
Maeve sipped her tea for a moment. “I’m sure Mal is still sleeping after being up so late with Father and the rest.”
Arianna’s eyes went wide. “Don’t tell me he got invited back to Father’s study.” She laughed haughtily.
Maeve smiled. “Why wouldn’t he have?”
Arianna shook her head as she sliced her biscuit open and spread butter angrily.
“Haven’t got a reply?” Asked Maeve. “Well, there’s a first.”
Arianna glowered at her, slamming her biscuit back together.
An unrecognized bright white owl swooped through one of the large open windows and landed on the arm of the chair next to Maeve.
She recognized the bright red Vaukore seal immediately and grabbed the letter. It felt heavy, but Maeve tried not to let herself get excited. There was also the chance that Tilly Cardinal, Dracomen Paragon, would snag Head Girl at Vaukore over her.
The bright white owl helped itself to a strip of bacon and flew out of the room.
Maeve didn’t hesitate to peel the wax seal and lift the envelope flap open. A sapphire and bronze pin fell into her lap. She sighed and smiled from ear to ear as she picked it up. Engraved across the bronze wings were the words:
HEAD GIRL
Maeve tossed her napkin on the table and left the dining hall without another word to Arianna. She skipped up the stairs to the third floor, her new badge held proudly in her hand.
She rounded the corner as Mal’s door flew open. He stood with his own letter in hand. His hair wasn’t combed, and his eyes were bloodshot. He was still in his pants and button down from the previous night. He had barely slept it seemed.
“Did you get it?” Asked Maeve breathlessly. “Of course you did. What am I saying?”
“I got it,” said Mal with a smirk. “And you?”
Maeve nodded happily, presenting her badge.
“Well done, Maeve. Well deserved.”
“Thank you.” Maeve rocked on her feet.
Mal leaned against the doorway with a sigh.
“You should get back to sleep,” said Maeve.
“I can’t,” said Mal. “I’ve been invited to fence this morning at Doggbind’s. I promised your father I would accompany him.”
“The Head of Magical Law?” Asked Maeve.
“The very one,” answered Mal.
