>>6116782“Name it.”
“A Maduan witch…” Argia makes a show of thinking about it, lifting a glass to her lips. In her hand, the glass bursts into a whirlwind of sparkles that somehow still manage to hold the liquid inside.
The Asterite shakes her head, but what can she do? Displaying her power helps her with negotiations. And, as her Patron keeps saying, advertising is the soul of business. Even more so for the business of souls.
Argia recomposes the glass into a perfect spiral, like some alchemical equipment, and sips the amber liquor from the tip.
“Hmm. Tangy. Eight thousand, by the way. Half upfront.”
“This is ridiculous.”
“So is your request.”
“The Throne…”
“… would have asked one of its Crows if it thought they could do it.” She allows herself a scoff. “Instead, they went to ask the best one they could find. My offer stands. You can accept it now, or you can do so after your assassins fail and you are on the precipice of all-out war with the Holy Land. That’s going to be fun.”
“I will pass your terms on,” Sandora sighs. Argia smiles, because she knows she has it.
“Always a pleasure doing business with the Emperor,” she mockingly bows her head. “Can I keep the portrait? I’d like to study it. She’s a cute girl, this Salicera she has… something. Something exotic. Don’t you think?”
“Stop asking me these questions,” the Asterite replies, standing up and collecting her coat. It’s a beautiful piece of embroidery, fit for an Eleventh Seat.
Argia could probably buy it with what she earns in a single day.
Starless Night, it’s good to be rich.
This is something Argia’s family, blessed be their vintner souls, never truly understood. The lure and power of gold… and everything they could have had.
“I’ll be in touch. Don’t expect a quick reply, Madama Candente.”
“Of course not. All I expect is a deposit on my account, dear. Awww, don’t give me that look. Smile a little. It takes less effort to smile than to frown!”
“Pray your gods of tar and silver that you never see me put effort in anything regarding you, Candente,” she seethes, walking off. Too bad the cape hides her beautiful form. She’s a bit hard to deal with, but the blonde Asterite is gorgeous. Argia wouldn’t mind to have her for a night.
Even if she does give her the creeps.
[cont.]
