“I am aware of why you are here,” said Maeve, her voice quiet.
He was silent for a moment. “I’ve noticed you are close to the Dread Prince. I have heard you are to be named his second. Though I can’t imagine he is looking to marry his right hand.”
Maeve looked over at him, and her eyebrows drew together.
“I meant no offense,” he said.
“And yet,” said Maeve dryly, “I am offended all the same.”
Xander laughed. It was a beautiful, empty laugh. Like his face. His eyes. “Your father warned me you would be difficult.”
Maeve looked away from him and watched as Ophelia pouted at the lack attention Eryx was giving her. Maeve rolled her eyes.
“I hope you’ll consider my offer,” said Xander.
“Consider?” Maeve laughed. “You are not aware that I have no say in the matter? That I am expected to marry whomever I am instructed to? You are not aware I have an nonconsensual agreement with the Mavrosi to marry their son?”
Xander didn’t answer, and pretended to look confused.
“I could have sworn I saw you all over Leslie Loxerman at the Autumn Gala,” said Maeve. “Or were you also not aware she is the head of The Committee that decides such arrangements?”
Xander sighed and smiled.
“Difficult was an understatement,” he said.
Maeve didn’t return his smile.
“I hope you’re enjoying your time at Sinclair Estates,” said Maeve. “And I trust you are smart enough to follow the trail back to the house.”
Without waiting for a reply, Maeve squeezed her legs together, and her horse broke out of its leisurely pace and into a gallop. She rode quickly past Ophelia and Eryx.
When she arrived back at the house, Maeve dismounted her horse and made her way up the stone stairs to the balcony. Her Father had just nailed the punchline to a joke, as everyone laughed.
Mal was seated beside Ambrose, looking quite relaxed.
“Back so soon, darling?” Asked Ambrose as Maeve tossed her riding gloves on the table.
“Where are the others?” Asked Clarissa.
“Still on the trail, I suppose,” said Maeve in a huff. “Lucky for me, I know a shortcut.”
Maeve winked at her father and took the glass of water he offered her.
“That’s not the point, dear. It isn’t a race,” said Clarissa with a forced smile.
The tone of her mother’s voice made Maeve want to vomit.
“It’s an escort through the cliff side to show our guests the estate,” continued Clarissa.
Maeve looked over at her mother and shrugged. “Xander couldn’t keep up.”
Mal smirked, and Abraxas covered his mouth with his drink.
Clarissa eyed her with a frown. “Dinner will be served soon. I suggest you change.”
Maeve’s eyes met Mal’s before she took her leave without another word.
She hastily changed from riding clothes into a dress and short heels for dinner. With one hand on her canopy bed post, she picked up pale blue sling back and raised her foot.
