“I never thought I’d hear you say those words.”
“Shut up,” said Maeve.
Mal looked down at her with a satisfied expression.
The hall was already jammed full. Freddy Jones, captain of the dueling club, made a beeline for Mal and Maeve when he saw them.
“Oi! Malachite,” said Freddy, holding out a clipboard with a list of students on it. “You mean to write down ‘er name?” His head jabbed towards Maeve.
“I did,” said Mal.
Freddy’s face scrunched up. “But she ain’t never even dueled before.”
“I know that, Freddy,” replied Mal calmly.
Freddy ran his fingers through his hair and looked sideways at Maeve. “Alright, but the lineup fell for ‘er to duel Grisham, so you’d better be certain.”
Mal clapped Freddy on the shoulder. “Even more so now.”
They made their way through the crowd.
“I see Abraxas,” said Maeve, heading in his direction.
“Did you see?” Abraxas asked as they reached him, his eyes wide.
“Yes.” Maeve nodded.
“I can’t wait to watch you destroy him.”
Abraxas was eagerly writing down his bets for the night. When Lavinia came around to collect them, she smiled at Maeve.
“I placed my whole wager on you,” said Lavinia.
“I did as well,” said Abraxas.
Maeve smiled and relaxed back in the chair. It was common knowledge that Mal had been training her for months, and apparently, everyone was eager to see what she was made of.
Halfway through the night when word spread that Mal’s pupil would be fighting Grisham the dueling hall was filled with nearly every student and Proffesor at Vaukore.
Headmaster Elgin and Rowan made an uncommon appearance.
It wasn’t long before it was Maeve’s turn. Professor Larliesl was practically giddy as he announced her name. Grisham was already making his way onto the platform. There was a buzz through the room as Larliesl invited them to take their places.
Mal grabbed Maeve’s arm, bringing his lips close to her ear.
She exhaled sharply. Cool, refreshing magic pressed through her blouse and into her arm. It tricked down the side of her neck as he spoke.
“Grisham loses his temper easily. Use that to your advantage,” whispered Mal.
Maeve’s eyes never left Grisham as she nodded and took the stand. Grisham looked annoyed that he had to duel Maeve. Like it was beneath him.
They joined in the middle and bowed.
“Don’t think because you’re new, I’ll go easy on you,” seethed Grisham.
Maeve took a low curtsy and looked up at him.
“How about because I’m a girl, then?” She said sweetly. Maeve let go of her skirt with a flourish and turned on her heel. She walked the length of the platform and turned to face Grisham. He readied his left hand at his side. Maeve tossed her hair over her shoulder and followed suit.
