“You know,” he replied, leaning towards her. “I know about every single thing that Mal wants. Needs. Plans. Everything. Soimagine my surprise when I look across the ballroom and see him dancing with my cousin, having such a private conversation that I know nothing about.”
“The Prince isn’t allowed to dance with his subjects?”
Abraxas’ eyes narrowed, true frustration showing through on his face.
“Did you see him dancing with a singular other subject? Have you ever seen him dance with a single subject?”
“I haven’t seen him do anything, Brax. I haven’t seen him in years. What are you obsessing about?”
His fingers drummed against the counter. “No gloves,” he remarked.
“What relevance is that?”
“I can’t remember the last time I saw him without them.”
Maeve brushed off the thought and suppressed the shiver that threatened to run down her spine, recalling the feeling of his fingers on her spine as he held her in place. . .his smooth, cool fingers wrapped around her own. . . his—
“He wants something from you. And didn’t run it by me,” said Abraxas, yanking her from her thoughts.
“Aww,” said Maeve with mock pity. “That must be so hard.”
Abraxas pulled a fresh cigarette from his pocket with an exasperated sigh.
“No,” said Maeve sharply. “You’re not smoking that in here.”
Abraxas groaned as his head fell dramatically onto the counter between them. “I wanted his return to be perfect,” he muttered.
“And it was,” she replied calmly, bringing the teacup to her lips and taking a hesitant sip. “The entire evening was wonderful. Can’t you feel the Magic that has already shifted here at his return?”
Abraxas’ head rolled against the counter in a dramatic display. “What did he want from you?”
“That’s none of your business, Brax,” said Maeve gently.
His head shot up as he pouted at her. Maeve laughed.
“Pathetic,” she said with a smile.
“Alphard will be furious if you get involved in this war,” he said. “Rightfully so. There’s no reason you need to be—”
“Don’t try and make your curiosity about my well-being.”
“Can’t it be both?”
Maeve shook her head at him in disbelief and sipped on her tea. “When this cup runs out, I’m going to bed, Brax.”
“No,” he whined, as she was nearly done.
She tilted her head back and drank the remaining tea.
Abraxas sighed and stood from the counter. “I’m going to use your fire,” he said, relenting that she wasn’t going to give him the information he wanted.
“Goodnight, Abraxas,” said Maeve sweetly.
He waved her off without a glance and headed for the fire.
Maeve took the back set of stairs from the kitchen, climbing higher into the house to check on Maxius before going to bed. She pressed open the door to his room gently, ensuring he wouldn’t wake. He slept soundly on the bed, his lips parted slightly through even breaths. The covers around his legs moved, and Spinel appeared between the draping fabric.
He jumped from the bed, dropping into a quick stretch before trotting across the room. He rubbed against her legs, purring heavily. Maeve pushed off the doorframe and continued through the house. Spinel stayed in step with her up the curved stairs onto the third floor. Maeve stopped short as she turned down the hallway to her bedroom.
