His expression darkened instantly — grey clouds rolling fast across clear sky.
"About exactly what?"
"The promise you gave me. Back in the bedchamber. Sealed bargain."
Short sharp pause stretched… then came it: slow, dawning realisation creeping over his face… and hard behind it — pure, unmistakable, absolute DEFEAT.
"No."
"Yes."
"No — absolutely not."
"YES indeed."
"We hold urgent matters waiting inside Council chamber — serious business, crime records, reports needing signature."
"And we hold a bargain struck FIRST. Promises come before papers, Your Grace."
Draven lifted one hand — pinched bridge of nose hard between thumb and finger, as if holding back massive headache already born.
"Seraphina…" warning‑low.
"You gave your word freely."
"I clearly specified — after official business concluded completely."
"You heavily implied right now already counts as 'after'!"
"I absolutely did nothing of sort."
"You DID."
"I did NOT imply anything of kind."
