"S-should I...?" he hesitated an instant before continuing. "Would you like something to drink?"
His tone had changed completely.
No trace of previous arrogance remained. Only tense courtesy, sustained by fear.
Katerina didn't respond immediately.
Now he had something more urgent in front of him.
Katerina remained at the threshold a few more seconds, evaluating the room, Bernard's position, every detail that could be relevant. The offer hung in the air. For an instant it seemed she was going to reject it without more, as if that late courtesy had no value whatsoever.
However, her gaze deviated slightly toward the table, then toward the shelves, and finally returned to Bernard.
"The strongest liquor you have," she finally said in a cutting and authoritative manner.
It was more an order than a request.
Bernard nodded immediately, still trembling, wiping cold sweat from his forehead, obeying in a rushed and clumsy manner.
"O-of course," he responded with a trembling voice.
