“Not your last name?”
A sharp breath caught in her chest, and she glowered at Alphard.
“Oh,” seethed Alphard. “That had never occurred to you, had it?”
Maeve swallowed hard.
“Or,” continued Alphard, “maybe it has occurred to you, and you just deny it. That’s the part you don’t let yourself see. It doesn’t matter what he’s using you for. You need to admit that he is using you. I bet he can’t wait to for you to have his child. Solidify his claim over you.”
Maeve laughed. “You are so behind. Jealousy isn’t very becoming on you either.”
Alphard staggered slightly. Maeve continued. Her swift sickness vanished.
“I am beyond you in ways you can’t even fathom. But you want to play the name game? That’s a joke. What’s your last name?” She folded her arms across her chest and closed the gap between them cooly. “Isn’t it your family that has the darkest and purest bloodline of all of us? Isn’t it your name being used just as much as mine? The letters your parents get from Mal, you think they’re out of the goodness of his heart?” Maeve laughed. “But here’s the difference, Mavros, between you and I, and I’ll spell it out for you since you obviously can’t comprehend it on your own. I offer The Prince of Darkness more than you. I offer him a discipline in charms that the Orator’s Office and even the Immortal High Lord recognize as bloody brilliant. I offer him unfaltering trust and unfailing loyalty. I’ve proved it. And if you want to be realistic about it, yes, I offer him a pureblooded inheritance, access to my father’s world, and the continuation of a strong magical bloodline. And as you stand here, having failed him, ask yourself- what besides a name do you have to offer?”
She left him standing in the corridor, and without looking back, made her way across the landing to her bedroom.
Arianna was coming out of her own room.
“Are you alright?” Asked Arianna.
Maeve was taken aback by her sister’s comment but kept walking down the hall to her bedroom.
“Yes,” said Maeve. “I just want to go to bed.” She passed her and then turned around. “Congratulations.”
Arianna had already changed out of her wedding dress. She looked back at Maeve without a reply, and then continued back to the party.
Maeve had hardly made it to her room and closed the door when there was a loud CRACK and Zimsy stood in front of her.
“A bath?” Said Zimsy.
“No,” said Maeve. “I just want to sleep.”
Zimsy nodded and extended her arms open wide. Maeve walked into them as Zimsy guided her to the bed. Maeve plopped down and grabbed a pillow.
“Thank you,” said Maeve, resting her head on the soft velvet. “Do you want to stay with me and talk about all the annoying guests tonight?”
“Say more,” said Zimsy as she climbed into bed next to Maeve.
Chapter 53
No sooner had Maeve shut her eyes that the sun was pouring through the tall windows in her bedroom. A familiar voice rang through the room.
“Breakfast on the balcony, come on,” whined Abraxas. “I’ve been waiting on you for an hour.”
Maeve didn’t open her eyes. “Why are you still here?” She groaned as she tossed a pillow over her face.
She heard the door snap closed behind him and willed herself out of bed. Zimsy was gone.
Her mind immediately replayed the previous night’s events. She frowned, thinking about how stupid Alphard was.
And what she feared most of all, which was Mal’s disappointment.
Fifteen minutes later, she joined Abraxas on the balcony overlooking the gardens. The sun was sharp in her eyes. She had stayed up too late. And slept too little.
Despite the thick snow that coated the ground, the Estate was still enchanted to remain warm.
“Did you stay the night?” Asked Maeve.
