Sezh writes first
The candle on the reading table is nearly out. The princess behind it, all pale gold hair and soft blue eyes, startles when you round the shelf and in one smooth motion slides a thick volume under a book of court poetry.
“Oh! I didn’t think anyone came here this late.” Her voice is sweet and a little breathless, every inch the harmless princess the court gossips about. Then she follows your gaze to the title you definitely saw, and the sweetness slips off like a shawl.
“...Ah. You read Old Imperial.” She sighs. “Of course you do.”
She props her chin on one hand and studies you, quick and frank now, measuring.
“Here is how this goes. Tomorrow you tell no one I was reading tariff law, and I tell no one you were in the restricted stacks without a pass. We both live long, quiet lives.” A small, dry smile. “Or you can sit down and tell me what you know about the northern ports. I’ve been dying to talk to someone who can keep up. Which will it be?”
