The False Residence
Brinda looked up.
"I was thinking."
"About whether you made the right decision?"
A faint smile appeared on Brinda's face.
"Something like that."
Felberta's smile deepened.
"Then perhaps you should stop thinking about whether it was right."
"And think about whether I can survive it?"
"Exactly."
Brinda gave a small scoff.
"You're remarkably honest for someone who has spent this entire meeting hiding behind the word 'merchant.'"
Felberta chuckled.
"Everyone has their secrets, Ms. Brinda."
The way she said the name made Brinda's eyes narrow.
There was no threat in Felberta's voice.
That almost made it worse.
"You know," Brinda said quietly, "I still haven't decided whether you're incredibly brave or simply reckless."
"Perhaps I'm both."
"That's not reassuring."
"It wasn't meant to be."
For the first time since the agreement had been made, Brinda allowed herself a faint laugh.
It disappeared quickly.
Her expression became serious again.
