The silence that followed Damon's comment lasted only a few seconds, but it was a heavy, dense, almost competitive silence. Morgana and Elizabeth didn't immediately look away from each other. There was respect there, though neither of them would call it that. They were women accustomed to controlling environments, people, and narratives. Sharing strategic space required an effort that both clearly found irritating.
Cherry observed the tension as one watches a particularly entertaining play.
"If it helps," she commented casually while stealing a biscuit from Ingrivid's tray, "you two have exactly the same expression when you're planning to destroy someone."
"Incorrect," Elizabeth replied without even looking at her. "I destroy people politely."
Morgana let out a dry noise of disdain.
"And I destroy people efficiently."
"You see?" Cherry pointed between the two, pleased with herself. "Same energy."
