Page 99 of Ruthless Legacy

I hurry to put my clothes back on and return to my seat. Stylist? This is a lot of effort to spend when they don’t even know if we’ll make it through yet.

I can see why people don’t make it past this week. The whole stylist thing alone has me wanting to say no. I like my style. This is my brand. But I won’t quit. I’m not a quitter. I made a commitment, so I need to see how far I can go.

The stylists leave, and Patrick and company come back into the room. “Now that we’ve covered style, we’ll move onto etiquette. First and foremost, you do not directly approach a council member. All questions and inquiries shall be submitted to the committee that governs your issue. If no committee exists, then you may submit a request to be seen to the lower council. If your issue is not resolved, you or the council will submit a proposal to escalate the matter to the next level. If you have an issue with another member, you will submit a formal grievance. We will offer you the opportunity to discuss your issue in mediation. If mediation is not possible or either side declines mediation, you can challenge the matter.”

My ears perk up.

“A challenged matter is resolved through physical means. Whether it be a task issued by the council where you and your opponent compete against each other, or you can enter the cage and fight it out. There are no rules in the cage. You fight until someone concedes or gets carried out.”

That’s why everyone backs down whenever Finn asks if they’re challenging him. I wouldn’t want to go up against him in a no holds barred cage match either.

“Service. That is our foundation. Service to The League of the Daggered Raven, in whatever capacity we desire, before you serve yourself. Once you become a prospect, the speed at which you advance through the ranks is up to you. The higher you score on your challenges and evaluations, the better your ranking within your prospect group. Before you can advance to third-year prospect, you will be called to perform a final act of service.”

He looks around the room. “Any questions so far?”

One girl asks, “Is there a schedule that’ll be sent out for the challenges?”

“No. There isn’t.”

“Then how will we know so we can plan for them?”

“Availability. A league prospect is always available at any time. Day or night. Nothing comes before the league. Not your parents, spouse, or pet. Not your job or education. Your loyalty, duty, and honor is to The League.”

Our session dismisses at seven. We’re told to take the extra hours to prepare for our exam. Hourihan follows me out the door. “How about we get a bite to eat?”

“I’m actually gonna take Patrick’s suggestion and head back to my dorm to study.”

He smiles down at me. “What he said was to take the extra time to prepare. That’s what I’m here for. To help prepare you. We can do that, and get to know each other better, over food.”

“Sure. Where do you suggest we go?”

“The other tutors and I were discussing Fiore’s. Do you know it?”

“No. I don’t. You can give me the address and I’ll meet you there, Mr. Hourihan.”

“You’ll ride with me, and you may call me James.”

I see the others getting into the car with their tutors and do the same. He chats during the drive about his business and his position in the league. He’s a lower council member, but doesn’t hold a position on any committees. I frown when we reach our destination. I’m definitely under dressed.

Jamesguides me to the front door. “Now ordinarily there’s a dress code, but we have a reservation and the restaurant makes an exception for us. In the future, for lunch, you will wear an appropriate outfit from the approved business wear list to come here. For dinner it’s a cocktail dress.”

He escorts me to the back. Each selectee and tutor have their own booth.

The server comes and instead of letting me order my meal, Hourihan does it for me. “Thanks for ordering, but what if I don’t eat that?”

“You have no allergies. You’re not a vegan or vegetarian. That’s one of the best items on the menu. I promise, you’ll like it.”

This dude likes the sound of his own voice. He’s holding a conversation that doesn’t require me to answer. I nod and hmm in appropriate places. “Tomorrow, you will have extra study.”

“What time?”

“Early. I have a meeting at eleven and will be at the office until after you leave for your session. I will have a driver take you to Cabot’s and back.”

“Where are we meeting on campus?”

“My dear, you will not be on campus. You’re coming to my home this evening. As I said, our session will be early.”

My tone is measured and cordial when I reply, “I’m not prepared for a sleepover. I don’t have an overnight bag, so it would be best to just come over in the morning.”

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