"Not necessarily. Dean can give you a ceremonial position if he wishes. Something personal, visible, and formally harmless. Companion to the Crown Consort, attendant for social events, cultural aide. There are several options. Enough title to justify your presence. Not enough access to make anyone argue you are a channel between Alamina and Rohan."
Sylvia absorbed that slowly.
"So… less secretary. More decorative shield?"
Minerva laughed.
Sylvia immediately liked her.
"Something like that," Minerva said. "Though I suspect Dean will invent a title that sounds more elegant and less honest."
"He does enjoy elegant dishonesty."
"He does."
Sylvia looked down again, then forced herself to ask, "Will this hurt Tom?"
"No."
"Dean?"
"No, not if handled now."
"Me?"
Minerva's gaze softened. "It may disappoint you."
That was not a lie.
Sylvia liked her even more for it.
"It does," Sylvia admitted. "I wanted to be useful."
