The words lingered in the air.
Lena didn't answer right away. Her brows drew together as she stared at the table, her mind turning, weighing, calculating. Then she leaned forward, elbows resting against the cool surface, her gaze lifting back to him sharper now. "Why can't I have both?" she asked.
Magnus said nothing.
"I take Estelle's place," Lena continued, her voice gaining strength. "And I still become captain." A faint smile touched her lips. "You wouldn't be sitting across from me if I wasn't valuable, so, let's not pretend otherwise." She held his gaze, unwavering. "I'm more useful to you in that position. We both know I have influence over Roman, something Estelle will never have." She tilted her head slightly.
