Charming
Sarah took a deep breath. "I need a charisma bump."
I stared at her. "And you think I just have that sort of thing at my fingertips?"
She arched an eyebrow at the crystal ball in my hands.
"Point taken. May I ask why?"
"I need to sweet-talk the dean."
"Why?"
She blew out a breath. "My department administrator is suddenly AWOL. I have six activities that are going to fall to pieces and destroy my baby startup department unless I can get competent administrative support ASAP."
I blinked slowly at her. "That sounds unutterably boring."
She snorted. "Tell me about it. Being Department Chair sucks. But will you help me anyway?"
A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. "You could have started with that."
"See what I mean about needing extra charming abilities? I'm great with the warrior-get-shit-done persona. But not this."
"Mmmm." I tossed the crystal ball at her, where it promptly burst into glittering spirals. "That ought to do it."
She blinked. "You really did just have it at your fingertips?"
I shrugged. "Royal perk." I made a shooing motion. "Now off with your currently extra-charming self and go wreak some charismatic havoc. Then come tell me all about it after."
She kissed my cheek. "Thank you. I will."
"I see that charisma's kicking in already."
She kissed my other cheek. "Shut up, your highness."
"Only if you make me."
"Later."
"Promises, promises."
She winked at me as the office door closed. "For you, always."