“One tiny step of trust could create an open negotiation, while one moment lacking in trust could ruin everything.”
It had been before a dinner with the Neville Princes from that sector. There was a trade dispute.
Fallon had managed to reach a settlement when no one else could. She had been a brilliant negotiator.
Bianca had been blessed to watch and learn from her. If only those negotiation skills had saved her life.
She missed her so much.
Bianca had to trust. She was not ruining this because of the Emperor’s paranoia.
Instead, she smiled at the Rhimodian, hiding her worry from her expression. “I am sure it will be fine.”
Now it was his turn to look at her skeptically. “Why would it not be?”
She waved her hand. “I was instructed to not leave our things alone. But if we are leaving them here, then they will, by definition, be alone.”
He stared for a few minutes, his skin the same pale gray as his uniform, and his white eyes bright and unusual looking, but she knew he appraised her.
Like he wasn’t sure what to do with her.
Well, that made two of them.
* * *
The roomsthat had been created for the ambassadors were, well, more utilitarian.
Bianca bit her lip as she looked around the round entrance, where five doors sat on the wall directly across from her. It was a small central area, large enough to hold only two chairs and a small table in the center.
The chairs looked like the hardest metal in the world. Flat seat, flat back. They appeared horribly uncomfortable.
But at least they were wide.
She glanced at the Rhimodian again.
He probably fit well in them.
"I hope this is to your liking," he said, gesturing to the room. "Each door is for a diplomat. There are to be five, is that correct?"
Bianca nodded.
"There are other rooms beyond this area for guards and other staff as needed," he said.
"It seems you have accommodated us quite well, thank you." She crossed to the nearest door. It slid open as she approached. Inside was a sitting area and bed and windows to the outside to let in natural light.
Dressy and fancy?
Not at all.
However, it was private, something every one of them would need after days of negotiations. Privacy and space to relax.
She crossed to the bed. The fabrics were a bit rougher than she was used to, but she had brought more bedding.
One of several tasks she intended to complete before she left.
"Good. If you need anything," he gestured to the panel on the wall near the entrance. "Touch this, and just ask for me."
Bianca nodded.
