(Luca)
They moved faster than I expected.
Not because they were brave—but because they believed Aria was still undecided.
That assumption was the opening.
The request came disguised as diplomacy. It always did.
A delegation. Neutral ground. Apologies wrapped in courtesy. A proposal that looked reasonable enough to offend no one and dangerous enough to matter.
They didn’t come to me.
They asked for her.
Vincenzo brought the message while I was reviewing border movements.
“They want Aria present,” he said. “Not you.”
I didn’t look up. “Of course they do.”
“They’re calling it symbolic,” he continued. “A gesture of balance.”
“They’re calling it leverage,” I corrected.
“Yes.”
I leaned back slowly, folding my hands. This wasn’t a challenge to my authority. Not directly.
It was som
