Kaine
Bianca waits outside the training hall. Her posture is relaxed, almost casual, but her eyes scan my face the moment I step through the doorway.
“I just finished my politics session,” she says brightly. “My tutor thinks I’m making progress. He mentioned I might be ready to sit in on a real trade meeting next month.”
I nod without stopping. She falls into step beside me, undeterred.
“I’ve been trying to keep up with all the material,” she continues. “History, diplomacy, everything. I even stayed late after my session yesterday to review with my combat tutor.”
“That’s good,” I say. My voice is flat. It is all I can offer her right now.
She looks up at me, searching. “You haven’t said much lately.”
“I have been busy.”
“I know,” she says. “But I want you to know I’m trying. This i
