Recognition flickered in his gaze, but he kept his face a mask of politeness.
I continued, “But I’m pleased no one’s been killed… as of late.”
“Your sources are impeccable, Your Highness.” He formed his words with care, his smile faltering.
“It’s unfortunate the fabrics my brother ordered for his coronation have gone missing.”
He didn’t speak, but I could see his mind racing behind that cold blue gaze.
“Although,” I remarked, “I believe a shade of green would have complimented his eyes better, given his current efforts to gain favor with the gods. Dark blue wouldn’t suit him.”
What I left unsaid hung between us, a subtle message to Leihim. The Dire Wolf was under my influence—a negotiation to target only Adastrus’ wagons and report anything of significance to me.
“I suggest you choose your words carefully, Your Highness,” he warned, his grin replaced by an emotionless mask. “Some might deem this information treacherous.”
“Ah, mere rumors and hearsay.” I laughed, leaning back with an easy smirk. “But if you happen to see him, do remind him of your need for assistance with the Dire Wolf.”
A dangerous glint humored his expression as he mirrored my posture, feigning his ease. “So, you’ve been swayed by him.”
“Only as much as you’ve been swayed by Adastrus,” I replied smoothly. “They have no control over me, and I’d like to think as a self-made man, my brother has no authority over you.”
“Treasonous words if I dare utter them, Princess.”
“Yes, but true all the same. Your loyalty lies with coin. You’re a merchant at your core, are you not?”
“It puts food on the table and keeps the hearth burning, Your Highness.”
“It also ensures your comfort.” I dipped my chin, lifting a brow. “I simply want you to know that your coin is safe… as long as I am safe.”
“Do you threaten me, Princess?” He leaned forward once again, his eyes gleaming.
Sainte shifted, resting his hand on the back of my chair. My smile grew as Leihim glanced up at him, then sat back with a calculating look.
“Not a threat—it’s fact, Hinyte,” I said. “I will protect your merchants to the best of my ability. All I ask is for your support. It seems like a fair exchange.”
“And if you make a decision I disagree with?” he shot back. “You would blackmail me into submission, use a common bandit to sway my vote? You’re no different from your brother.”
“Do not compare us,” I said, voice clipped and flat. I was nothing like him. I relied on wits and the advice given to me—not cruelty or manipulation based on spite or amusement. “It is not your blind support I seek. I ask for a chance to discuss decisions in private if you find them unfavorable.”
“You have the high court for that, Your Highness.”
“Not everyone aligns with my goals,” I replied, sweetening my tone.
“Ah…” He tilted his head, studying me as he processed my request. “So you propose limiting attacks on my caravans to specific wagons in exchange for public support and private counsel.”
“I knew you were wise beyond your years when I first met you,” I mused.
“Well enough. However, do you not think the prince regent will notice the isolated attacks?”
I raised a brow in challenge. “Who knows the mind of acommon bandit?Their motives are as unpredictable as the wind. It’s not as if anyone in power can control them.”
“Indeed.”
I chuckled and ordered tea, using the pretext of catching up on the council meetings. After the side effects passed, Anderz had filled me in on essential details while sparing me the intricacies of trade and politics.
Leihim, however, delved into commerce with enthusiasm. For an hour, he rambled and elaborated on the oil trade between Wynterborne and Tilamuik. Apparently, our oil wealth complemented Tilamuik’s reliance on sea resources, making the exchange mutually profitable.
I strained to maintain a smile, and despite his occasional apologies for droning, he kept diving back into his monologue. He exuded sharpness, wisdom, and cunning. His passion for his guild was evident in every word.
