When the conversation was over and Eithne walked me to her office’s door, she showed quite the understanding toward my sudden lack of eloquence and spared me a smile out of her usual arsenal of humiliating expressions.
“Take your time making the decision,” she said with unfamiliar softness in her voice, as if her offer was something more than a business proposal, more than a way to gain what she wanted. “I’ll have someone escort you to…” Her words faded and her face returned to its familiar stern expression.
She wasn’t looking at me anymore, so I followed her gaze. Riagán was leaning against the large window frame. He didn’t even pretend to be watching the courtyard, and as soon as Eithne noticed him, he offered a bow.
“Weren’t you supposed to be gone?” she asked without warmth.
“Our g
