Page 32 of Joined By Magic

But Zantus it would be nice, occasionally, to slide my fingers deep inside myself and feel the stretch and resistance of my body. To bring myself to the sort of quick, efficient climax I took for granted for so many years, relieving the ache between my legs so I could go about my day with a clear head.

I forced myself out of bed. Today wasn’t about sex, or Leo, or any of the things that had filled up my brain since I arrived at the palace. It was a fresh start. The first steps toward a life of my own.

Leo’s new stylist had sourced me a wardrobe of the conservative, high-necked dresses favored by the Assembly wives. I chose a severe navy option, businesslike and borderline prudish, even by Dexian standards. Anything to wipe people’s memories of the early scandalous outfits Leo had forced me to wear. I displayed the glowing, magically charged necklace he’d given me as a gift. A little flashy, but it marked my connection to him, and I felt more confident with it on show.

My low heels clacked as I walked down the corridor to the meeting room. Fear slowed my steps. I’d faced a giant wolf and a sadistic prince, but the thought of walking into a room full of unfriendly strangers unnerved me more than either. The childish schoolyard terror of being the one who didn’t fit in.

Because I wouldn’t. Of course I wouldn’t. What would the wives think of me? A criminal turned prostitute that Leo had developed an unhealthy infatuation with. They’d probably be livid that they had to share a room with me and unwilling to listen to what I had to say. It wasn’t going to be fun. But I needed to make it work.

I braced myself and opened the door. I’d expected a boring meeting room. A working environment. Instead, three women chatted around a spindly coffee table, curled into seats with plush red cushions. To the side, a buffet held cheese, cured meats, and sweet pastries, along with a selection of drinks, including wine. Instrumental music played through hidden speakers.

The women quieted. They pinned me with sharp stares. One thirty-something blonde and two older women, well into middle age but without a hint of gray in their brown hair. All looked familiar. I’d seen them at events I’d attended with Leo but had never been introduced. The younger woman wore a daringly short red dress, making me look dull by comparison. The older two sported floor-length dresses, one black, the other blue-and-white checkered, each with a red belt.

I matched them with the names I’d read in preparation. The younger woman must be Grace, wife to the young, new senior education secretary. I recognized Celia Griffin, wife of Vice Commander Ellory, in the checkered dress. The other older lady must be Anita Marcos, wife of the Prime of Industry.

The meeting had been listed to start at twelve, but all three women had plates with half-eaten nibbles balanced on the arms of their chairs and empty coffee cups. They’d met early without letting me know.

The lady in the checkered dress pointed without a smile to the empty seat.

“I’m Celia. Join us.”

I sat, feeling the weight of their stares.

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Liv.”

Celia rolled her eyes. “If there’s anyone in Dexia who doesn’t know who you are, they must be blind and deaf.” She gestured to the other women. “Anita, and Grace.” I nodded in greeting. Celia seemed to be the queen bee. My mouth dried as the silence stretched. I had to say something.

“I’m looking forward to helping on this committee. I’m very passionate about education.” It came out stilted, a job interview spiel.

Anita smirked at Grace. “She speaks.”

I frowned. “Sorry?”

Anita’s gaze snapped to me. “I was only remarking to Grace here that I’d seen you at plenty of events, but I don’t believe I saw you utter a word to anyone besides Leopold.”

I blinked at the woman’s casual use of Leo’s first name and mustn’t have hidden my surprise well. Anita laughed. “Oh, don’t look so horrified. My husband used to be good friends with his father. I’ve known him since he was a boy. We don’t stand on formality here, behind closed doors.” She leaned forward, voice bright with mock curiosity. “What do you call him? Master?”

My cheeks flushed and my brain froze as I struggled for a response. I’d expected rudeness, but not such an immediate personal attack. “No, of course not—”

“Leave the child alone. She looks terrified enough,” Celia cut in, then turned her icy blue eyes on me. “It’s very irregular, you being here. We reserve these positions for wives. But we’ll make the best of things.”

Child? Celia’s patronizing support irked me as much as Anita’s rudeness, but at least she seemed willing to let me speak.

“I’m hoping I can be of use. I have teaching experience, and when I was training, I did six months in Strathpine, one of the poorest schools in the city.”

“Was that before or after you started slandering hardworking men and ruining their lives?” Grace asked, voice brittle. “My uncle appeared on your sordid site. Everything you wrote was false. I don’t know how you live with yourself.”

Shit. Her uncle? Who was that? I’d have to look it up. The wealthier mages were all so interconnected—a tight little oligarchy, in each other’s pockets from birth.

Grace leaned forward. “I went to school with Leo. Did he mention that?”

Even better. I tried to project false confidence. “No. He didn’t.”

“Yes. At one stage my father spoke to his about arranging a marriage, but Andrew refused. Doesn’t believe in it, apparently.” She looked me up and down. “I wonder how he feels about that policy now.”

I clenched my fists. “Andrew and I get along very well, thank you.”

Grace turned to Celia. “Shall we get on with this? I don’t want to be here all day.”

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