Melissa was helping her son into his suit when he muttered with a scowl, "Why do I have to dress up for that bastard's guests?"
Her gaze hardened instantly. "Ryan, what did I tell you about cursing your elder brother?"
Ryan scoffed. "Elder brother? Please. Up until a few months ago, he was nothing but a hindrance in your—khak! Okay, I'm sorry!" He cut himself off as Melissa tugged his tie a little too hard.
The blue-haired woman's tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. "Behave yourself in front of your father and the guests. And show respect to your brother. His name is spreading in public, and even the Towers speak highly of him. If you carry yourself properly, he might even help you secure a place in the academy."
Ryan chuckled under his breath. "For that, shouldn't I be chasing after my cousin instead?"
He was fourteen and would be entering the academy next year. Runebound, naturally, was the best academy in the country but the problem was the enrollment assessment.
