“Unless anyone else would like to challenge our reining champion,” said Larliesl, “that concludes tonight’s duels! Off to your duties and dormitories!”
Mal gave Larliesl a full smile as the Professor gave him another heartfelt congratulations. The room began to empty.
After the dueling club Maeve had monitoring duties on the second floor, part of being the Volaticus Paragon. She was sure that there would be plenty of students out of bed after such an exciting event.
Abraxas was boasting Mal’s achievements as they made their way up the stairs.
“Well done,” said Maeve as Mal appeared at her side.
His attention turned from Roswyn as he smirked at Maeve.
“I’d like to see you up there.”
Roswyn hurried up a few steps and joined the others.
Maeve laughed and changed the subject. “You should come this weekend.”
Mal laughed. “To London?”
Maeve nodded as he stared at her in disbelief.
“Why?” Mal’s eyes narrowed, instantly locked with hers. Maeve hated when he did that.
She shrugged carelessly. “I dunno. But I’m looking forward to a day off. Maybe you could use one too. There’s a tea shop there I like to study in.”
Mal seemed to contemplate his response for a brief moment, before giving her a small sympathy smile, which she also hated. They had reached the second floor. Mal continued on to the third floor for his Paragon duties.
“Enjoy your day, Sinclair. I’ll be in the library should you change your mind.”
Chapter 5
The air had a chilly bite to it as Maeve, Violet and Lavinia walked across the grounds to the portal, passing Magical Militia every few yards. Their faces set in stone. Maeve didn’t miss the apprehensive glances her Volaticus dorm-mates gave them. Her thoughts were expectedly consumed by the amount of work she still wanted to get done, even though Violet had told her about a hundred times she deserved the day off.
For Maeve it wasn’t a question of deserving.
She would simply rather be studying with Mal.
No.
Just studying.
Though Malachite had made her quite a tempting offer. She relished the thought of seeing her sister’s face in defeat. A snapping sound brought her back to reality.
“Hell-o?” Violet fingers were in front of her face.
“What?” Maeve slapped her hand away fiercely. “Why are your hands always near my face?”
“Because you’re never listening,” said Violet.
“How can she you never shut up,” said Lavinia.
Violet gasped and Maeve smiled wickedly.
“That’s so mean!” Whined Violet.
While Violet and Lavinia were going at it, Maeve’s thoughts once again wandered back to Mal. His duel the other night had been wonderful. Maeve was admittedly jealous of such skill.
Much to Maeve’s happiness, the rumors about Velvetina’s were true. Her new line of winter wear in the London shop was stunning.
