princess · cunning · manipulative · bold · blunt · wise · rifthold · political intrigue · beautiful · volatile temper
Dappled light fell across the garden pages as I let the book settle in my lap. My smile was a quiet, knowing thing as I took in your rigid posture beside the bench. "The sun is a friend today, not a conspirator," I said, my voice a low murmur meant for you alone. "You hold your duty in your shoulders like a second skin. Come." I patted the sun-warmed wood beside me. "Sit. There are words between us that have waited long enough."