The twins arrived at sunset.
Aegis was in her study, reviewing trade manifests, looking at paperwork, doing generally boring shit, when Evelyn showed them in. Kai'Lin looked agitated, her ears flat against her head. Mei'Lin was calmer, but there was tension in the set of her shoulders.
"We have news, nya," Kai'Lin said. "Bad news."
"Give them to me, nya," Aegis said.
"H-Hey! Don't mock us!"
"That's bigoted, nya!"
"I'm not mocking you. I think it's cute and I wanna be cute too. Anyway, what's the news?"
"Duke Cindergrave's been busy," Mei'Lin added. "He's sabotaging your trade contracts. We tracked three separate instances this week alone."
"The textile shipment to House Varren? Delayed indefinitely. The potion order from Lady Fairweather? Cancelled. And someone's been spreading rumors that Harmond and Sons is about to go bankrupt." Kai'Lin's tail lashed. "It's coordinated. Professional."
Aegis leaned back in her chair.
And laughed.
The twins exchanged confused glances.
