Jake saw where this was going.
"You want her to stay here."
"Raaya Villa is secure," Maureen said.
"Your household is loyal. Nobody comes here without permission. And—" she paused, choosing words carefully, "—she's your covenant sister now. Having her under your roof makes sense politically."
"It also keeps my identity protected," Elise added.
She looked at Jake with an expression that mixed hope and wariness.
"I know it's a lot to ask. We just met, and now I'm essentially requesting sanctuary in your house because my sister thinks it's the safest option. But if you're not comfortable with it—"
"You can stay," Jake interrupted. He was already running through logistics—which guest quarters to assign, how to explain Elise's presence to the staff, and whether Chelsea would have opinions about him housing a former pirate queen without telling her the full story.
Probably yes to that last one.
