The amber light coming from the setting sun spilt into the chambers, washing over the richly decorated wall. Jess sat in the armchair near the bed, her fingers tracing the thread along the chair’s body. The warmth coming from the fireplace kissed her skin, but it couldn’t chase away the uncertainty she felt inside of her.
“I think today was a success,” she said finally, breaking the silence in the room that had gone on for a long while since they arrived.
Seated at his desk, Luca glanced up from the documents he was reviewing. His blue eyes were sharp and calculating of what next she would say. “Oh, it was?”
Jess nodded, her lips forming a smile. “The council didn’t cut me off when I spoke or dismiss the suggestions I made outrightly. This time, they listened. Well, most of them did.”
