He slid his ring off his finger. Maeve held out her hand.
“Where’s the chain?” Asked Maeve.
“You won’t need it anymore,” he said. “I’ve bewitched the ring to fit any finger that wears it.”
Maeve commended him. That this was a brilliant idea. She slipped the ring onto her left hand, and it fit perfectly.
“Speaking of the gown you didn’t get to wear. I got the loveliest bit of information from Ophelia the other night.”
Maeve frowned.
“Stop that,” he said and ignored her pouting. “She introduced me to her Great Aunt Vetus Willus. Claims she’s a descendant of a broken Sacred Magical Bloodline.”
“Oh?” Said Maeve, intrigued. “That is interesting.”
“More so,” continued Mal, “is her boasting her possessions and collections.”
“Such as?”
“A rather personal artifact of King Siris, two Dread Kings ago. A goblet.”
Maeve sat up. “She bought it in the auction?”
“Yes,” said Mal. “She keeps a tight lip on her treasures, though. Ophelia only speculated Vetus might have something of interest to me. I finally was able to meet her at the St. Beveraux’s Christmas party and get her to open up to me. I’ve been writing to her for weeks.”
A sinking feeling of embarrassment washed over Maeve.
“What’s the matter, Little Viper,” said Mal tauntingly. “Realizing my only interest in Ophelia was her Great Aunt’s collection of treasure?”
Maeve bit the inside of her lip and suppressed a smile. “You could have just told me.”
Mal leaned back in his chair. “I’ll admit I like having leverage on your infatuation with me.”
Maeve laughed and played with his ring on her finger. He watched her for a moment. His expression content.
“I’m glad to see you feeling better.”
They sat in silence for a moment. After a long inhale, Maeve spoke.
“So, I am assuming Ophelia’s Great Aunt what’s her name took a liking to you?”
“I’m meant to have tea with her tomorrow morning.”
Maeve smiled at him. He continued.
“Do you feel strong enough to alter memories?”
Maeve nodded.
“So we’ll meet close by and go together,” said Mal.
Maeve had not been expecting an invitation.
“Don’t you think it would go better if she has you to herself?”
“Probably. I’ll need your expertise, though.”
Maeve understood. She would be there for memory clean-up.
