A smile spread across her face before she could stop it. "Maybe a little."
He noticed it and smiled back. "If you listen to me and trust me, there will be more than just a crown for you," Zareth said, his voice dropping.
She tilted her head. "More?"
"This is only the start, Rowena. The world is large, and it's weak. We could rule it together. We could take it. Properly. If we stay united, there's no reason we can't expand our reach."
She considered his words for a moment before nodding. "I like the bond we're forming," she said honestly, a small, genuine smile on her face. It felt like a pact.
"That bond will be our strength," Zareth replied.
They returned to their meal after that. Rowena relaxed enough to eat properly, tasting the food rather than simply going through the motions. Around them, the feast continued to grow louder. Cups were raised. Jokes were shared. The room felt alive.
