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"A feeder with much to offer."

He looked at the ceiling. Then back at her. "You are proposing something."

"I am proposing that two people with very little to lose and very much to gain consider whether their interests align."

"And if they do not?"

"Then we have wasted a conversation." She shrugged. "I have wasted worse."

He looked at her. She looked back.

She had made valid points. An heir and a formidable alliance would strengthen his claim. A stronger throne meant he could rid the world of Colsar and anyone else who tried to keep Asharin from him. However⁠—

"I know what you are thinking," she said. "That once your reign is secure, you will kill everyone she loves until there is no one left to run to but you." She laughed lightly. "And now you wonder how you would get rid of me."

She sat on the edge of his bed. Her voice dropped. "You would not need to. When you take your golden princess, I will let you keep her and crown her. Provided you meet my conditions."

He felt the irritation of it. She spoke as though she were the one in charge. "What conditions?"

"I get Morrath. And any children I have with you inherit what they are owed." A pause. "And you legitimize my daughter and make her your heir."

He laughed out loud, more surprised by her audacity than by the existence of a daughter.

Nox waited for him to finish.

"How old is she?" he said.

"Young."

"That is not an answer."

"It is the answer I am giving."

"I will consider your...proposal," he said finally.

She nodded once.

"But," he added. "The only heir I will ever recognize is Fiorakis. I have already named her and I will not change that."

He would not disappoint Asharin again. He owed her at least that much.

Nox's eyes darkened. She said nothing further.

He looked toward the window. The light had changed since morning. He had been tracking it without meaning to. He was done speaking to her. He wanted to be alone, to think through what had just been said. He was still deciding how to tell her to leave when the door opened.

No knock.

A girl stepped inside. Small.

Her hair was dark at first glance, but when she passed the window he caught strands of indigo and burgundy twisting through it like a storm trapped beneath the surface.

He looked down. She was barefoot despite the cold of Kelsey's floors. She looked at him with disinterest, as though she had not just barged into his chambers uninvited, unannounced.

Then she looked at Nox.

Then back at him.

"Who is this?" he said.