Sabrina
My wolf yips, trotting back and forth in my soul, encouraged by how well this is going. I like being Betty, she says, her tongue lolling, her head low as she keeps her eyes on our quarry. Betty is tricky Betty is fun.
But I just give her a mental swat her rump and bid her to be quiet. I have to concentrate.
“It’s so nice to meet you too, Max,” I say, smiling shyly at him.
I jump a little – fake of course – when a new tray of food settles in front of me.
“Enjoy!”
My head whips up at the sound of that voice, my surprise genuine this time when my eyes meet my cousin’s blue gaze.
Cosette gives me her most peaceful smile, folding her hands neatly in front of her flour-spotted apron. “Anything else I can do for you, Celestial?”
I do my very best not to clench my jaw as my cousin’s eyes crinkle at the corner, just a little wicked.
“No,” I say, breathy, shaking my head so hard my braids jump. “Thank you so much for bringing this – and I’m so sorry about the first tray.”
“Oh, please don’t be – it’s our pleasure to serve.”
Cosette turns on her heel and walks calmly back to the kitchen. My wolf snarls but I turn my attention back to the boys, making a very quiet mental note to seek my revenge later.
“So,” Max says, giving me his famous mega-watt smile as he bites into one of Cosette’s delicious almond croissants. “Betty. Where are you from?”
I straighten my shoulders a little, an eager expression coming to my face as I pretend to be proud. “I’m from Madena,” I say, nodding, naming a northern province famous both for its orchards and its reclusive nobility. “This is my first time south.”
“Madena,” Kai says – the Beta with the close-cropped dark hair. His voice echoes deep in his broad chest as he hums, considering my answer as he pushes his spoon around in his cereal. I watch as he goes through his mental rolodex of nobility, trying to figure out who the hell I am.
“Wait, so,” Philip says, giving me a friendly smile and leaning closer like we’re already pals. “There’s no chance that you’re Elizabeth Spencer, right? Daughter of Jacob Spencer?”
I beam at him, quite pleased that someone’s clever enough to do my work for me. “You know dad!?”
Philip’s lovely smile grows, showing a perfectly straight line of very white teeth, not an ounce of suspicion in his eyes. “I don’t know him personally, but my father does a great deal of business with him. You Northerners don’t get down here often, do you?”
No. They don’t. Which is precisely why I picked Elizabeth Spencer to impersonate. All the noble bloodlines a girl needs, but no one of any note has ever seen her. Perfect.
“No,” I say, shaking my head before tilting it to the side, letting my eyes go wide with wonder. “But I’ve always wanted to come to the South and the Capital – it’s so wonderful down here – so warm and so cosmopolitan.” I drop my gaze and do my best to blush. “It’s kind of…a dream come true.”
“Well, we’re glad you’re here, Betty,” Max says. I look up at him through my lashes, watching as his smile spreads, his eyes moving over my face. “I’m sure we’ll all be very happy to show you a good time.”
“Wow,” I whisper. “Everyone is just as nice as I hoped they’d be. Well…” I glance to the right at the girls’ table where Jacqueline’s shoulders are still stiff with rage. “…Almost everyone.”
“Don’t worry about Jackie,” Philip murmurs, leaning forward conspiratorially and giving me a wink, his auburn curls falling into his face. “She’s just obsessed with Ma-“
“Phil,” Max murmurs, shooting him a glare. “Don’t be rude.”
Philip just laughs and mumbles something about the truth. I smile widely, looking around at the boys with delight because Betty would just love to be in on the secret. And quite frankly, I don’t mind it much either.
“So,” I say, still soft and breathy, ignoring my food, “what do you all study? Is there –“
“Celestial?”
We all turn at the sound of the harsh voice. I tilt my head back, looking up at the very chic woman dressed all in green who glares down at me.
“Might I ask who in the heavens you are? And what you are doing in my breakfast hall?”
I shrink away towards Max, pretending to be afraid. His hand is instantly on my shoulder, squeezing it in support.
“This is Elizabeth Spencer, Headmistress,” Max says, his voice all authority now. “Surely she was to be expected.”
The Headmistress’s mouth falls open like a guppy as she turns her eyes back to me.
I raise my fingers in a tenuous little hello, acting my heart out, pretending to be afraid she’ll scold me or kick me out at any moment. Max, sensing my tension, clears his throat.
The Headmistress blinks back to the moment, glancing at him and then back at me. “But – you were meant to be here two weeks ago, Celestial Spencer,” she says, shaking her head. “We assumed you had made other plans.”
“There was…a lot of snow…” I whisper, my shoulders going up around my ears. God, I’m going to get a neckache if I keep having to do this all the time. “Am I…should I leave? I came all this way…”
“Of course not,” the Headmistress snaps, straightening her shoulders and half turning towards the door, gesturing towards it. “You are, of course, more than welcome Celestial. But if you will come with me? We need to reprocess your paperwork.”
“She hasn’t even eaten,” Max protests, tightening his hand on my shoulder.
I turn to him, looking at him again like he’s the great hero of my life. He seemed to like that, after all. “It’s okay,” I whisper, smiling softly. “I’m not even really that hungry. I’m…too nervous.”
“Betty, you should eat,” he says, all kindness, all faith.
God, this nation’s Prince is such a mark. This is going to be the easiest con of my life.
“I’ll take this,” I say, standing and lifting the almond croissant off my plate, remembering that it’s what he ate. “Um, they’re good, right?”
“The best,” he says, beaming at me.
I nod to him, whispering my thanks again, and begin to follow the headmistress as she starts for the door.
Three…
Two…
One…
“Betty!”
Bingo.
I turn, willing surprise to my face. Nearly the entire breakfast hall turns to watch as the Prince gets to his feet, leaning over the table towards me.
“We study in the garden most afternoons,” he says, smiling again that golden-boy smile. “You should come!”
My lips curl up, a smile blooming across my face like I’m the luckiest girl in the world. “Okay,” I say, giving him a tiny wave with my fingertips. “I’ll try.”
“Celestial,” the Headmistress says, getting impatient.
I turn and follow her again, sending my wolf hearing out across the room, wanting to know the response to my show. After all, I am a girl who appreciates a bit of applause after such a masterful performance.
“Max,” Philip says, laughing softly. I can almost see him shaking his head, his curls bouncing. “You always did like a wounded bird, didn’t you?”
“We don’t know her, man,” Kai says, more wary. “You shouldn’t have invited her to study.”
I make note of this, ensuring that Kai is next on my list.
“Oh, come on, she’s a nice girl,” Max murmurs, barely audible now that I’ve reached the door. “Just want to…make sure she has a nice time here.”
“Yeah,” Phil says, his voice low with good-humored disbelief. “You really just want to give her a good time, don’t you.”
I hear the boys laugh and – just as the cherry on top – I turn at the door, looking back at Max.
I catch his eye. And bite my lip.
His shoulders visibly loosen as he smiles.
I slip out the door, my wolf’s toes tapping eagerly as she lifts her snout and howls our victory.
I sigh with happiness, looking around at the elegant suite as I step inside. Bright and sunny with dual doors that open onto a pretty rounded balcony. A huge fluffy bed and an elaborate ensuite bathroom beyond.Yes. Yes, this will do just fine.“Thank you so much,” I say, turning to the Headmistress at the door, my eyes wide and my voice all stupid and breathy. “It’s so much prettier than I could have imagined –“She nods sharply, looking around. “Well, it should be, for our second-finest suite. You know, we gave it to another student when you didn’t appear as scheduled and it was quite a bother, asking them to move out again on sudden notice –““Oh, I’m so sorry,” I say, tucking my little fists beneath my chin and giving her big puppy-dog eyes. Who the hell does this woman think she is, trying to make a Celestial of Elizabeth’s status feel guilty about anything? But, I know how to play this. “If the other student really needs it then I can surely take another suite – I won’t even ask
“Seriously, Rhett,” Max says, laughing awkwardly and looking between us – Rhett’s fury, my shocked horror. “It’s…fine…”Something about Max’s awkward realization snaps me back to the present. My wolf snarls and I emit a terrified shriek, shrinking away from Rhett and holding my book up between us like a shield.I press my eyes shut, clarity flooding me now that I can’t see him anymore.Cool cool, I murmur to myself inwardly. Be cool. You’re Betty. Betty has – has never seen this man before –And even though I know that I haven’t either, slipping into Betty’s vacant demeanor brings me calm.“Betty!” Max says, stepping forward and wrapping an arm around me, cradling me to his chest. “Honestly, it’s fine! Back off, Rhett, you’re scaring her!”Rhett grumbles but I hear him move a step or two away.Hesitant, I look up into Max’s handsome face. He smiles so softly at me, gentle and protective. “Are you all right, Bett?”I straighten slightly, thinking that…well, maybe this Rhett guy did me
“The Women Who Destroyed the Rothian Empire,” Max murmurs, eyebrows raised as he reads the title of the book aloud. “Damn, Betty, that’s one hell of a start to your reading list. So, historical studies?”“Yes,” I say, nodding eagerly, leaning closer as Max starts to page through the book. “I’m researching Philomena d’Caia in particular.”He turns to me, eyebrow raised. “The whore who assassinated the Imperator and was burned at the stake for witchcraft?”I purse my lips together, perhaps a bit more Sabrina than Betty in this moment. “Well, my research will suggest that she’s a little more complicated than that.”He smirks, handing my book back to me. “Sounds fascinating.”I smile at him, all squinty-eyed and delighted, hugging the book excitedly to my chest. “I mean, I think so! I know not everyone will be as interested as me but…you know.” I shrug. “I just love to get lost in a good book.”Max studies me, engaged but a little crestfallen. I force a giggle from my lips, knowing that t
“Brina!” Cosette growls, striding forward, her hand raised to smack. I laugh and doge out of her way just as she brings her arm furiously down.“Watch the bread!”“What the hell are you doing in here!?”“What, you don’t like my new room!?” I dodge another blow and then shout her name, getting sick of all this violence that’s not going to get us anywhere. Besides, I’m hungry.Cosette gives up, as I knew she would. Her shoulders slump and she groans as I perch the basket of bread rolls on my hip and move to the cart, peeking under the dish covers and starting to smell all the delicious things the kitchens prepared –Damn, but the food’s good here –“Sabrina.”I pause, a dish cover in my hand, looking at my cousin.She just sighs, all dejected, shaking her head at me.“Oh come on, Cosette,” I say, likewise giving in with a sigh. “It’s not a big deal.”She huffs, clearly believing that it’s the opposite. “You’re impersonating a Celestial -““Very well, might I add.” I wrinkle my nose at h
SabrinaI inhale sharply and look away from my cousin’s pitying face, forgiving her. Cosette doesn’t know what she’s talking about – she’s not part of the family. She can’t understand.But my destiny as the heir to this family, the true Boss, is something that I know in my bones. There’s absolutely nothing my cousin can say to convince me otherwise.“Come on, Cosy,” I whisper, turning back to her. “Let’s not fight.”“I can’t just…watch you destroy your life for nothing.”“You’re not,” I say, grinning. “You’re watching me build it.”Slowly Cosette raises her eyes to me, her face doubtful.“Let’s talk about other things!” I sit up primly, a smile coming to my mouth as I force us to move on. I wrinkle my nose as my smile curls at the edges. “So. Tell me about your love life.”She groans and rolls her eyes. “You seriously have a two-track mind, Sabrina. Crime and boys.”“Ya,” I say, nodding eagerly. “So, seriously, are you and the big boy –““Sabrina!” she groans, snatching up a piece of
SabrinaI exhale a long breath as I walk out of the breakfast hall with my few books pressed to my chest, my fingertips rubbing against the ache in my cheek. God, so much time spent smiling – laughing at all those patently unclever jokes, smiling around at all the boys, making sure that at every turn they felt funny and smart and validated.Damn it, I don’t do it often but being a nice girl is…fucking exhausting.I go over the morning meal in my mind as I wander down the seminary’s main hall, passively keeping my eyes on the numbered doors that flash by on my left, all lit by the bright sunlight of the wall of windows on my right. It went well, I think. I’d spotted Cosette in the kitchen staging area, looking very dedicated as Queen of the Pastries, or whatever her job title is. Then, as I’d hoped, Max invited me to eat breakfast with him and his Betas, saying he wanted to get to know me.Of course, he didn’t spend the time getting to know me. He just chatted with his Betas, letting m
The library is…fantastic.I exhale a long breath as I enter, avoiding the urge to turn in a slow circle to move my eyes over every gorgeous bit of this place. My wolf pants, her toes eagerly tapping at the sight of the low-lit desks and study nooks, the arching windows of the glass ceiling, the automated brass ladders that lift library aids with ease up and down the four-story shelves. And everywhere just…books.Quick, let’s take a few more, my ravenous little wolf says, spinning in an eager circle. Just start at random – you can carry more - or I’m sure we can get through twenty by dinner – all the things we don’t know – I have to admit that I’m tempted, but I just smooth a mental hand over her fur, knowing that we’ve got work to do and the books we want are not in this room.I fix my eyes on the librarian’s station at the center of the room – a series of oak chest-height desks built like a fortress around the reference center. And at the center of that, a set of spiral stairs tha
“This text list is unusual,” she says, the dryness of her words suggesting just how much of an understatement that is. “As you have Dr. Arzento’s permission we will of course fetch the texts. But you will be kept under close supervision. Is that clear?”“Of course,” I say, nodding eagerly.She takes a deep breath, looking me up and down. “Can you even read the original Itanian in which these are written?”I give her my absolute prettiest smile. “Est da lingua mia miteria,” I say, quite calm, my accent perfect.And it’s not a lie. Itanian is my mother tongue – my twin brother’s, too. My father had Itanian nurses brought in expressly for us after my mother died. Learning the ancient forms in later study had comparatively been a piece of cake, at least for me. Matteo had shown none of my interest after childhood, preferring to waste his time being useless.The librarian’s eyebrows go slightly up, but I can’t tell if she’s impressed or contemptuous.It doesn’t matter. The result is the sa
Sabrina“Sabrina!”“It’s just girl code –““It’s insane!”I frown at her. “No, it’s not.”“Sabrina, I don’t even have a chance with him –““It’s not about that.”“It’s ridiculous to end all of your plans just because I asked you to –““But you didn’t ask me to,” I say, nodding seriously to her. “And…I mean, it would be easier to pull off all I have planned if Max is gaga for me, all wrapped up in a love haze but…” I purse my lips, considering again what I spent the whole night considering after I left his rooms. “I can do it in other ways.”She just stares at me, her mouth continuing to hang open.“I’m still going to have to stay close to him,” I sa
Sabrina“Cosette,” I say softly, pressing my hand to my heart and leaning toward her, needing her to hear me on this. “I didn’t know that you felt that way about Max.”She blushes and drops her eyes, her natural bashfulness coming into play. “I know you didn’t, Sabrina. I just…didn’t know you intended to get close to him in that way.”“So, when I said I was going to his dinner parties…”She shrugs. “I guess I just thought you meant as a friend. Or like, a spy. It never even entered my mind that you’d want more. I mean…” she lifts her eyes to mine now. “He’s your enemy. Why would you want to kiss him?”I smirk a little. “I mean, you’ve never wanted to…”She scoffs at me and I put my hands up, not pushing any furt
Sabrina“Stop it!” she shouts, grabbing her pillow and hurling it at me. “It’s not normal! No, it was not okay for him to put his hands on me but you’re not going to kill him! This is going to be handled in a very normal way!”“Which is?” I ask, dry.“We’re going to report it to the bosses and let them decide!”I huff, shaking my head at her as I turn back to Matt –“Don’t look at him!”Kind of stunned by my cousin’s unusual order, I turn back to her, eyebrows again raised. “I’m in charge!” she says, smacking her palm against her mattress with a thwack. “This is my life! We’re doing this my way – not some sick underworld Lupa way! Say it! Now!”I take a deep breath. “I’m not letting him hurt you, Cosette.”
Cosette“Whoa!” Juliette shouts, skidding to a stop at our side. “What – what the hell’s going on here!?”Matty slowly raises to his feet as Demrick groans in pain – and maybe in terror - and I just stand very still, shocked.“Demrick put his hands on her,” Matty growls, glaring down at his enemy before lifting his eyes to Juliette. I watch as he shifts in to his usual calm demeanor – tucking his Lupa identity away, becoming again the hapless nice guy who is so helpful in the kitchen. “I told him not to.”Juliette turns her attention to me, eyes flaring. “Is that true, Cosette?”“Um,” I say, hesitating but then shrugging. God, I don’t – I don’t want this to become a thing. “Yes? He shook me –“Juliette gasps, spinning her attention back to Demrick with ire in her eyes as more people gather
Cosette“Was it a guy!?” he asks again – shouts, really, his arms tightening around me so much that I yelp, surprised as I’m crushed against his chest.“No!” I cry, shaking my head. And it’s not a lie – not really – Max didn’t do anything – and honestly, neither did Sabrina if I’m admitting the truth to myself – I didn’t tell her that I like the Prince, and even if I did I have no claim on him –The only person who’s really hurting me is my own stupid heart –“Who have you been seeing, Cosette?” Demrick snarls, his head lifting and snapping as he looks up and down the hall like someone who dated and dumped me is just going to be standing there thumbing his nose at us or something.“No one!”Demrick snarls again, louder now, his
CosetteI wipe hastily at my cheeks as I rush down the hall, sniffing hard. But no matter how fast my hands work they can’t seem to make the stupid tears just go away.God, this is so embarrassing.But I can’t help it – I’m just…fucking devastated.I couldn’t believe it for a second when I wheeled the cart into the room – I though I had to be imagining it or that my eyes had suddenly broken or that I’d gone insane.Sabrina! Fucking Sabrina in Max’s lap – my Max!My wolf howls and I scowl at myself because…why am I being so stupid!?I whip around the final hall corner and hurry down the basement corridor toward my room, desperate to get in there where no one will see me.Because this truly is so incredibly stupid. And not even just silly – just stupi
SabrinaAnd I remember that he’s always known her name. And while that might be just him liking her pastries and being kind to the employees of this institution, that sort of thing means something to girls like Cosette who are so talented and so often overlooked.I remember back to the night I tried to poison Rhett –And the charm she used on the water – the rhyme so simple, but flexible enough that a powerful Pancibus like her could…could use it every day, bake it right into the bread…Bread that Max eats every morning and evening.My jaw drops when I realize that…Cosette has been protecting him. Protecting Max from any poisons that someone might slip into his food – into any of his food, as long as he eats her bread along with it. And more than that, she’s been boosting his health – everyone’s health who eats her pastri
Sabrina“No!” Rhett calls back to me, pushing the door from the other side. “My thesis statements are fine – I don’t need your damned critiques tonight –“I burst out laughing, pushing harder, and the door gives way just a little bit. We’re all well aware that this is a farce - I’m small enough and he’s big enough that if Rhett wanted this door shut it would be. But I play along, pushing hard, enjoying myself. “Your thesis statements are crap!”“They’re fantastic!”“You need me!” I give one final shove and the door gives, Rhett smirking at me on the other side.He looms over me and points a finger at my face. “You keep your little sparkly pink pen away from my work tonight, Spencer.”I wrinkle my nose at him, all of my teeth bared in a wide smile. “Just try
SabrinaOr! That same bedroom could become the sky itself, and I could conjure up some wings on my back and walk through the clouds, feeling something akin to what it’s like to be a bird. I mean, I wouldn’t be able to touch any of the clouds or feel the wings, but it could be –“Hey!”I turn with surprise toward the voice, my face breaking into a smile when I see Oliver, of all people, chasing me down the hall.“Betty,” he says, smiling and slowing his jogging steps. “Damn, you got far fast.”I laugh, grinning up at him. “Little feet,” I say, lifting one fashionably booted foot and nodding down to it. “Make fast tracks.”His smile deepens. “You say weird shit. I love that.”Joy races through me. God, I love boys.“What’s up, Ollie?” I ask, stepping just half a step closer, ti