"Even though that would be treason?"
"I've been committing treason for forty years. At this point, it's just a matter of scale."
Elara nodded slowly. "Good. I prefer allies who are willing to commit completely when necessary."
"You're not worried I might be too dangerous to ally with?"
"Dangerous allies are more useful than safe ones. As long as our interests align." She walked toward the archive exit. "We should both get rest before tomorrow. The succession dinner will be complicated enough without fatigue affecting our performance."
"Agreed." Duke Romian followed her out. "Elara?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you. For not being... normal. About this."
"You're welcome. Though I don't know what normal people would do in this situation, so I can't compare."
"They'd be horrified. Angry. Possibly attempt to use the information against me."
"That seems inefficient."
"It is. Which is why I'm glad I'm marrying you instead of them."
