"Thank you," Jake said, because he wasn't sure what else to say to that.
"Don't thank me yet," Angana said.
"Liking you and supporting you politically are different things. Clan Phoenix will remain neutral until we see how the contest develops. But I'll be watching, and I'll be honest in my reports about what I see."
She turned to face him directly.
"Which means if you do something stupid or cruel or shortsighted, I'll report that too. Fair warning."
Jake stared at her, wondering who had asked her for support.
Angana extended her hand, and Jake took it. Her grip was firm and brief, the handshake of someone who had better things to do than perform elaborate social rituals but wanted to acknowledge the connection anyway.
"Good luck," she said.
"You're going to need it."
Then she was walking back toward the courtyard entrance with that same controlled, precise stride, and Jake watched her go until she disappeared through the doors.
Raani appeared at his side a moment later.
