Isaac POV
In the end, the deal closed at forty gold coins.
Isaac felt the loss the moment the number settled in his mind.
It was not a small amount.
Across from him, Althea looked pleased. More than pleased, actually. She was smiling openly, the kind of smile that made it very clear who had won.
She enjoyed this moment far more than she expected.
For once, she had negotiated from a position of strength.
Until now, every exchange between them had ended with Isaac steering the terms, either through leverage or sheer inevitability. This time, he had needed something badly enough to compromise.
This feels good, she thought, watching him frown at the contract.
Maybe I should pressure him more in future trades.
He looks… kind of cute when he's losing money.
The thought lingered for half a second too long.
Althea stiffened, color rushing to her face as she realized what had just crossed her mind. She quickly looked away, pretending to check the seal on the document.
