“I know that the boredom isn’t helping,” I say. “But I’m working on something that I hope will alleviate that. With luck, I’ll be looking for volunteers by the end of the week.”
It’s bold to assume I’m even going to finish this godsdamned proposal, let alone get the Queen’s approval. I choose to be optimistic.
“But in the meantime, I am at your service as your interim Grandmaster. Anything you would need to ask Arlon, you can ask me. Garrett and Bridgette are also on-site for anyone who might need a full master’s guidance,” I say before my grin turns sly. “But since I’m still working towards my enchantment mastery, I wonder if you all would help me with a spell that I have in mind.”
There are murmurs of interest at that. I keep a wide casting circle, but I haven’t cast with everyone in the Crux. This is an opportunity to get to know the people I’ve only really talked to in passing. I give a brief description of the scene, the kind of play, just to make sure anyone can bow out if they wish. But for the rest - “I’ll beservingin the library after dinner.”
As I descend the dais, there’s a moment of stunned silence before chatter murmurs through the room. They sound excited, which I hope I’m not just imagining.
“Hell of an invitation,” Cancassi says, standing to meet me as I reach the door to the mess hall.
“I’m Grandmaster, and I don’t evenknowsome of these people except as names on a spell sheet,” I point out.
“Well, this will be a unique opportunity to learn,” they chuckle.
The library is dark. Nellie’s already left for the evening, so Cancassi and I go around and warm the glow globes. Not too much, just enough to illuminate the library’s atrium, give some of the color back to the darkened stained glass in the windows.
Then, we duck into the alcoves, dragging out the various chaises and chairs. There are a few wizards who will certainly join, but there are a lot of unknowns. I plan optimistically with the number of seats.
When the library is set up, I turn to Cancassi, my face already flushed with excitement. “Is this reckless? Arlon just - he keeps people at a distance for a reason.”
Cancassi grabs the plunging collar of my shirt, yanking it open to let my breasts hang free. “Except for the ones he doesn’t.” I raise an eyebrow and Cancassi scoffs. “You’re going to tell me Arlondoesn’thave favorites?”
Well. They’ve got me there, too.
“So what I’m saying is, you can’t pick favorites if you serve everyone equally,” they say before long fingers tweak my nipples. “You’re bound to be a very different Grandmaster than Arlon, Gal. Embrace it.”
I shiver as they pinch gently. “Maybe you’re right.”
“Of course I am,” they tsk before they tug me forward. “Ready for some decorations, Grandmaster?”
I arch onto my toes, pulling my lower lip between my teeth. “Ready.”
They release me before they grab the wood serving tray from our bag of casting supplies. It’s finely carved with vines and roses, and two of the corners have delicate silver chains attached to them. At the end of each chain is a mean-looking butterfly clamp.
There is a small tie on the front of my corset that gets looped through a hole in the tray. Cancassi raises the tray, bringing it to a serving position before they close the little clamps onto my nipples. I hiss as the weight tugs on my sensitive skin, but I resist lifting my hands to help support it.
Cancassi circles me before they pull my hands behind my back. Smooth magiline rings are slipped over my fingers before leather encases my arms. The binder cinches all the way up my forearms, and straps over my shoulders help keep it securely in place.
As Cancassi works, people start to trickle in. Sly grins shine in the dim light as a handful of wizards take a seat around the library. Cancassi finishes with the arm binder, leaving me standing like a human serving tray as more people filter into the library.
There’s a rattle of wheels before two of the kitchen staff enter with a rolling cart. It’s laden with steaming pots of tea, cups stacked high. They leave it just inside the ring of seats before retreating, though the plump blond - Felicity, if I remember right - casts one more amazed look my way before scurrying off.
Already the mood is heady. People have come curious. Eager.
My breaths come in quick gasps due to the tightness of the corset, and the feeling of so many eyes makes heat pool between my legs. By the time the bell signals the end of dinner, there are no less than twenty-five wizards seated comfortably around the library, some perched on armrests for lack of proper seating.
“Welcome, everyone,” I say. “I’m glad you all decided to join for tea.”
Chuckles ripple around the room, sending shivers over my skin. Ambra and Iona share a couch, while Thaddius sits on the groundat their feet. Adan and Rosemarie whisper to each other behind a raised hand while Cecily sits on the ground in front of Fey, her broad shoulders comfortably rested against the tiny woman’s legs. Orabelle has found a chair in the back with the quiet conjurer Hughes, while Marvin chats with Sergei and Emil.
There are others I know by face, and possibly by name, but by the end of the night, I aim to be certain.
“What’s on the menu tonight, Grandmaster?” Ambra asks as she twirls a golden curl around one finger.
Something about the title in this situation brings a smile to my lips. “Cancassi provided the tea. Rosehip with bitter orange peel, sweetened with honey.”
“Sounds lovely,” Iona says as her fingers drag through Thaddius’ hair. His eyes are on my pinched nipples, his hand rubbing unconsciously over his chest. It makes me wonder how often they’ve held tea parties like this. “What’s for dessert?”
