Chapter 50
Abraxas’ voice pulled Mal’s thoughts out of his daydream. Though it was less of a daydream and more the image of Maeve’s helpless body as he conquered her the night before.
“You named her your second,” said Abraxas. “Not your betrothed. We were foolish to think Maeve wouldn’t be sought after. She is one of the only remaining Purebloods unwed-”
Mal held up his hand. And then placed it on his temple. Rain pattered against the slanted windows in his penthouse suite.
Abraxas took a moment, then pulled a cigar from his coat pocket and used the tips of his fingers to light it.
He drew in a large pull and took his time exhaling.
He looked out over the city below. Mal’s penthouse sat high.
“You are the Prince of Darkness. Not King of the Seven Realms. Everything else continues to turn, despite our plans to return home.”
“I cannot see her married off to some Elven Lord,” he said tensely.
“Then make her yours, Mal,” pressed Abraxas. “There is little else to be said.”
“It is not that simple,” retorted Mal. He relaxed back into his study chair, his legs crossed.
“How?”
“Because your cousin does not desire such a thing,” he said quietly. “She is validated as my second. She doesn’t want the title of wife. It cheapens her as a warrior. She wants the respect that comes with being my Dread Viper. Not my Lady.”
Abraxas sighed. “Then the pair of you will have to accept the reality that while all of that is true, The Mavrosi and Lithandrian seem to think she can be your Dread Viper and reproduce Magical heirs with their men all in a days’ work.”
Mal’s eyes slid to Abraxas.
“Only the messenger,” said Abraxas. “But as your messenger, let me also say: Maeve is not the only one being vied for.”
Mal’s brows rose.
“The Walthon’s have suggested their daughter to you.”
Mal almost grimaced. “She’s a child.”
“They are willing to wait. And provide a gracious donation to the crown.”
Mal opened his mouth to speak-but came up short.
“And,” said Abraxas. “The St. Beverauxs.”
“Ophelia?” Asked Mal.
Abraxas nodded.
Mal sighed.
“Again.” Said Abraxas, taking another puff of his cigar, “we clearly didn’t calculate for this.”
“Clearly,” said Mal. “Isn’t that your job?”
Abraxas didn’t look at him. “I would urge we not decline them just yet.”
“I believe I am in agreement but may I ask why?”
“Because,” started Abraxas. “We need their support. We can’t isolate any families right now. Which is what I told Maeve when she refused to escort Xander out.”
It had been Abraxas’ persuasion. For his benefit.
Mal nodded after a moment.
“I’ll simply prolong any talk of a decision,” said Abraxas. “However-”
“I know,” said Mal. “I can handle Maeve.”
“And Maeve?”
Mal laced his fingers together. “Maeve can handle herself.”
“Wonderful,” said Abraxas, pressing his cigar into the bronze ashtray on Mal’s table. “Now,” he turned towards him, “who is handling Alphard?”
Mal’s teeth slid together. “Maeve is.”
Abraxas’s brows pulled together. “That was your doing?”
“Yes,” said Mal slowly.
Abraxas looked away from him.
“You doubt my judgment?”
Abraxas looked back at him. He sighed. “I’m going to speak as your hand and your friend now, Mal.” Abraxas folded his arms across his chest, his tone conversational. “Maeve doesn’t want Alphard, but make no mistake,” Abraxas hesitated, “she loves him.”
Mal looked up at Abraxas as the corners of the room flickered darkly.
“You weren’t there,” Abraxas continued calmly. “Antony and Alphard were inseparable. They were the class favorites, the cut ups and the misbehaviors. They crashed Sacred parties and got kicked out of dinners. Antony and Alphard were bonded from a young age. Maeve loves him because Antony did.”
Mal resisted the urge to sink his fingers into the arms of the chair. “I know that. But that has nothing to do with her ability to ensure that their engagement never happens.”
“I am certain my cousin is capable of anything she sets her mind to,” said Abraxas with admiration.
“But that is not my concern. I’m asking why make her do it?
When it will only hurt her to have to? Any affection between them is in memory of her dead brother and I suppose I don’t agree with tarnishing it at her hand. ”
“What would you have me do? I cannot fight every battle for her Abraxas, she must come into her own.”
“Tell him that,” said Abraxas. “Tell him to refuse. We all know he wants Victoria, anyway.”
Mal was quiet for a moment. His hands relaxed, and he folded them in his lap. “I will consider it.”
Abraxas smiled. “That is all I can ask.”
Mal was eager for the subject to change. “What else for today?”
“We need to go over the guest list for Arianna and Titus’ wedding next week. I have the list stacked. Much smaller than the Autum Gala Party, so you’ll have more time with those that really matter.”
“I thought you said they all mattered,” said Mal dryly.
“They do,” said Abraxas with a nod. “But some more than others. Those that oppose the Orator’s Office are those that supported Kietel. You need them. But I also invited Dillon Shelby, he ran Moon’s campaign. You need those whose ear he has as well.”