The next morning, Natalia prepared for what could be the most critical meeting so far—the negotiations with the Sinclairs. Though they had aided in the recent battle against the Ashbournes, Natalia knew their support came with a price. The west’s loyalty was as fickle as the winds they controlled, and their duke, Ambrose Sinclair, was known to play both sides for his own advantage.
Natalia stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the delicate silver chain around her neck. The amethyst pendant rested against her skin—a subtle reminder of the magic now coursing within her. Weakness was no longer an option.
Maximilian entered without knocking, his red eyes gleaming in the morning light. "You look ready to conquer kingdoms."
She smirked, smoothing the sleeves of her dark gown. "And if I am?"
He chuckled softly, stepping closer until their shoulders brushed. "Then the world should be afraid."
---
The grand hall where the negotiations would take place was an impressive sight. Stained glass windows cast colorful patterns on the stone floor, and the long table was draped with fine silk. Seated at the far end was Ambrose Sinclair, his sharp blue eyes gleaming with amusement as if everything around him was a game.
“Ah, the lady of the hour,” Ambrose greeted with a grin. His voice dripped with playful sarcasm. "It’s a pleasure to finally meet the legendary Natalia Delacroix."
Natalia gave a polite, practiced smile. “I hope the stories don’t disappoint, Duke Sinclair.”
Ambrose tilted his head, his grin widening. “Oh, not at all. In fact, they make me wonder… How does a woman supposedly ‘without magic’ manage to defeat one of the strongest enemies of the empire?”
The subtle challenge in his tone wasn’t lost on Natalia. Before she could respond, Maximilian’s cold voice cut through the air.
“Careful, Ambrose. You wouldn’t want to insult the woman who saved your troops from annihilation.”
Ambrose raised his hands in mock surrender. “I mean no offense, of course. Just admiration.”
Natalia’s smile sharpened. "Then let’s leave admiration behind and move to business, shall we?"
---
The conversation soon shifted to the real reason for the meeting—reinforcing the alliance between the Delacroix and Sinclair dukedoms. Ambrose leaned back in his chair, swirling a goblet of wine in his hand.
"The west helped you once," Ambrose said casually, "but loyalty is expensive these days."
"Then name your price," Natalia replied smoothly, though her eyes remained cold.
Ambrose's grin widened. "I want access to your trade routes through the eastern mountains. Exclusively."
Lucian, seated to Natalia’s right, narrowed his eyes. "That would give Sinclair control over the entire southern border."
Ambrose shrugged, unapologetic. "Control is such a harsh word. Let’s call it… security."
Natalia glanced at Maximilian, who gave her a barely perceptible nod. They had expected Sinclair to make unreasonable demands, but this was more aggressive than she had anticipated.
“You’re asking for too much,” Natalia said, her voice calm but firm. "The eastern trade routes are non-negotiable."
Ambrose leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Then perhaps I withdraw my forces altogether. Let’s see how long the Delacroix estate stands without help from the west."
Before Natalia could respond, Maximilian spoke, his tone like steel. "You’ll regret that decision if you make it, Sinclair."
The room grew tense as the two men stared each other down. Ambrose’s smile faltered for a brief moment, but then he chuckled. "Relax, Montague. I’m merely testing the waters."
Natalia's patience was wearing thin. “This isn’t a game, Ambrose.”
Ambrose gave her a lazy grin. “Everything’s a game, Natalia. The only difference is whether you win or lose.”
---
After hours of back-and-forth negotiations, they finally reached a compromise—Sinclair would provide troops for the next battle in exchange for minor trading privileges along the eastern border. It wasn’t the outcome Natalia had hoped for, but it was enough to keep the alliance intact.
As the meeting concluded, Ambrose rose from his seat and gave Natalia a sly smile. “I look forward to seeing how far you’ll go, Lady Delacroix. I have a feeling the real fun is just beginning.”
Natalia returned his smile, though her eyes remained cold. "Don’t test me, Sinclair. You won’t enjoy the outcome."
Ambrose chuckled softly. “I think I will.”
---
Once the Sinclairs departed, Natalia let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
Lucian stretched lazily in his chair. “That man makes my skin crawl.”
“Same,” Damon muttered, twirling a dagger between his fingers. “I don’t trust him.”
"You shouldn’t," Maximilian said grimly. “Sinclair isn’t loyal to anyone but himself.”
Natalia rubbed her temples, exhaustion starting to creep in. “We have to watch him closely. But for now, we’ve bought ourselves time."
Maximilian placed a hand on her shoulder, the warmth of his touch grounding her. "And time is all we need."
---
Later that evening, Natalia found herself back in the quiet sanctuary of her chambers. The weight of the negotiations pressed down on her, but she knew she couldn’t afford to let her guard down—not yet.
As she gazed out the window, the distant stars twinkling above, she felt Maximilian’s presence behind her.
"You did well today," he murmured.
"Did I?" Natalia whispered, still staring at the night sky. "It feels like we’re just delaying the inevitable."
Maximilian moved closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Every battle is won in small steps. And you’re not fighting alone."
For the first time that day, Natalia allowed herself to lean into him, just a little. “Thank you, Max.”
His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. "Always."
---
As the night deepened, Natalia knew the storm was far from over. But with Maximilian by her side and her enemies within reach, she felt ready for the next move.
The game had only just begun—and this time, she would make sure she was the one holding all the pieces.