"Oh, not just the Club, my dear prince. The Inner Circle are the elite of the world. And New York is at the very center of it. Though in recent years that has fallen off due to mismanagement. I intend to raise the Inner Circle back to its lofty status, and I need the right members to do so."

She ran a fingertip across the upholstered arm.

"From what I have gathered you wish to be among us. Is that true?"