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“You hold influence in Lowtown. You are unmarried, capable, and known to the territory. Your elevation gives the settlement a direct connection to this house.”

“My elevation.”

“The legal term is accurate.”

“From beneath every dark elf caste to a human wife tolerated inside a Khuzuth house.”

“You will possess rank within this stronghold.”

“Rank you can remove.”

“Not without cause after the contract is witnessed.”

“And you define cause.”

“House law defines it.”

“You rule the house.”

The chain of authority is obvious. She insists upon naming every link.

“Yes.”

Fiona nods once. “Then I know what kind of agreement waits for me tomorrow.”

She leaves with Briar.

The council-chamber door closes.

Sarveth looks toward it. “She is unsuitable.”

“You delivered the edict.”

“I obeyed. That does not require approval.”

“What defect have you identified?”

“She challenges every statement.”

“She identifies weaknesses in language.”

“She refused a servant.”

“She carried a cloak.”

“She questioned the authority of the quartermaster.”

“The quartermaster required correction before she arrived.”

“She found two errors in the household allocations within minutes.”

“That recommends her attention.”

“It confirms she will disrupt this household.”

I return to the contract. Fiona’s blank signature line appears more demanding than it did this morning.

I selected a healer, organizer, and politically useful human. I expected fear or docility to make her manageable. Instead, Fiona arrives with a direct gaze, working hands, and the certainty that every promise must be tested.