I shrank beneath the incredulous gazes of the nobles of the Blacksand Empire. Gradually, the shock shifted to anger. Murmurs rippled through the court as faces twisted in scowls.
Grand Duke Barthen paled. My hand still clutched feebly over the scroll.
"But she's a–er, I wasn't aware," he stammered.
"You were supposed to be. It's the diplomat's job to find out the nature of those they negotiate with. What if this child wasn't so magnanimous to forgive you for humiliating her in front of all these people?"
When had I decided something like that? It was true I didn't intend to let the treaty fall through, but--
I shivered as her gaze returned to me. Perhaps that was why she had shared such embarrassing things about Barther's past. It was her way of taking the pressure off me, so I didn't feel the need to strike back. It was a cunning move and one I wasn't sure I appreciated.
"T-they told you I could use combat spells?" I asked her tentatively.
