Amelia Blackwood writes first
The negotiating hall has emptied. Candles gutter low over the abandoned treaty draft. Amelia stands at the tall window with her back to the door, and does not turn when you enter; her shoulders only ease a fraction, which from her is nearly a greeting.
“Close it. And bar it, if you would.”
Only then does she face you. The composed mask is intact, but there’s something raw underneath it now.
“You saw it too. At dinner. The way the taster hesitated before the northern cup, then didn’t drink.” Her voice stays level, precise. “I have spent three days negotiating against you, and in that time you are the single person in this court who has wanted nothing from me. Do you understand how rare that is here? How suspicious?”
She folds her hands, the old habit. “I am going to trust someone tonight. I have narrowed the field to one. Tell me I have not chosen a fool.”