“I won’t,” said Maeve carelessly.
Reeve downed the rest of his drink and shrugged, the concern on his face gone. “Have it your way.”
The moon was high when Mal and Ophelia disappeared into the crowd as she stole him from speaking to Kier’s wife. Maeve attempted to hide that she noticed this, but there was very little hiding from Abraxas.
“You’re overthinking,” murmured Abraxas.
Maeve sighed and ignored him.
“Merlin,” whispered Abraxas, his glass of brandy dropping from his lips.
Maeve followed his gaze across the hall. Reeve, stood shaking hands with her father. He gave her mother’s hand a kiss.
“Ugh,” said Maeve, rolling her eyes. “I don’t know what the fuss is over with him.”
Abraxas grimaced. “First, he’s the most powerful being alive. Second, I didn’t realize you went blind, cousin. Look at him.”
“No,” said Maeve, turning back to the bar.
“He’s coming this way,” said Abraxas hurriedly.
“No, he’s not,” said Maeve.
Abraxas pulled his drink to his lips and murmured, “yes he is.”
“Mr. Rosethorn,” came Reeve’s voice. “Maeve.”
“You don’t intend to address me formally as well?” She asked dryly, turning towards him.
“I feel more aquatinted with you than, what is it, your cousin?”
Abraxas smiled brightly at Reeve and nodded. Maeve rolled her eyes and turned fully towards Reeve.
“Abraxas, this is the High Lord of Aterna, the Shadow Slayer, and Senshi Warrior. High Lord, Shadow Slayer and Senshi Warrior, this is my cousin Abraxas.”
Reeve eyed her humorously. “You honor me, little kitten.”
Abraxas choked loudly on his drink, spilling it across the front of his suit. He turned towards the bar and hastily dried his attire with the snap of his fingers.
Maeve smiled at Reeve. “The honor is all mine, yourmajesty.”
Reeve tilted his head back and nodded slowly, sizing her up. He exhaled loudly.
“Abraxas,” said Reeve. “Do you enjoy cigars?”
Abraxas turned towards the High Lord. “Sinfully.”
“Come,” said Reeve. “Ambrose and I have a new box to break open. It looks like your cousin has more brooding she’d like to do. Let’s leave her to it.”
Maeve bit her bottom lip and shook her head with a suppressed smirk. Abraxas quickly kissed her cheek and followed Reeve off without so much as a goodbye.
She made her way out of the hall, attempting to look from Mal discreetly. She drifted through the ballroom nonchalantly. There was no sign of Mal or Ophelia.
“Have you seen Mal?” She approached Mr. and Mrs. Mavros and unapologetically interrupted their conversation with January Jones, the senior editor of The Daily Divination.
“No, darling, I’m afraid not,” replied Mrs. Rosethorn, sweetly tucking Maeve’s hair behind her ear.
Maeve moved past them without a reply before whipping back around and interrupting them once again.
