Alistair stared at Vivienne across his desk, his fingers tapping idly against the polished wood.
She smiled, golden eyes gleaming with amusement.
"I assume you didn't come here for tea," he said flatly.
Vivienne chuckled. "You wound me, Lord Ashencrest. Can't a woman simply visit the most powerful bureaucrat in the Empire?"
Alistair didn't even blink. "No."
She laughed softly. "Very well, then. Let's speak frankly."
She leaned forward slightly. "Aurion wants an alliance with you."
Alistair didn't react. "With me, personally?"
Vivienne's smirk deepened. "Who else? The ministers? The nobles? Please. We both know you are the true power behind the Empire's policies."
Alistair exhaled slowly. "You expect me to believe Aurion is suddenly interested in diplomacy?"
Vivienne shrugged. "Aurion is interested in you. That makes diplomacy… flexible."
Alistair studied her carefully. Vivienne was dangerous. She wouldn't come here without a strategy.
So he responded the way he always did.
With blunt cynicism.
"And what do I gain from this supposed alliance?"
Vivienne's golden eyes glimmered. "Influence. Leverage. A chance to shape the future beyond this Empire."
Alistair's gaze remained cold. "Or in simpler terms, Aurion wants a pawn."
Vivienne chuckled. "A partner, Alistair."
He snorted softly. "I don't do partnerships."
Vivienne sighed dramatically. "Such a shame. I truly do enjoy your company."
Alistair rested his chin on his hand. "If you're done wasting my time, get out."
Vivienne stood gracefully, unfazed by his hostility.
"Very well. But I do wonder… how long can even you stand alone in this viper's nest?"
Alistair gave her a bored look. "Longer than you."
Vivienne laughed as she turned toward the door.
"Then I look forward to our next meeting, Lord Ashencrest."
She left without another word.
Alistair leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples.
His life was getting more complicated by the day.
And it was only going to get worse.
End of Chapter 9