Duke Romian laughed—loud and genuine. "Exactly what I thought. You're a terrible liar, Princess."
"I'm an efficient communicator. There's a difference."
"Perhaps." He opened the door. "Three days. Then you'll have my answer."
He left.
Elara stood in the sitting room, processing what had just happened.
Duke Romian hadn't refused. Hadn't been offended by her bluntness. Had actually seemed... amused? Intrigued? Something approximating positive response.
Probability of acceptance: higher than initial estimates.
The fox knight appeared in the doorway. "Your Highness? How did it go?"
"Better than expected. He's considering the proposal."
"That's... actually that's incredible. I thought he'd refuse immediately."
"He almost did. But the honest approach worked better than emotional appeals would have." Elara walked to her desk. "Now we wait three days for his decision."
"And if he refuses?"
"Then I pursue alternative strategies. But I don't think he will refuse."
