The bluntness was deliberate. Kade didn't waste time with diplomatic dancing when everyone in the room knew exactly why they were here. Silver Ridge was dying. Nightshade held the power. Everything else was theater.
The negotiations immediately began, and Kade watched them scramble like drowning men reaching for driftwood.
— — — — —
From showering, dressing, and going to the negotiation boardroom, it had been an hour and thirty minutes since Dakota had been sleeping.
When she snapped her eyes open, two twinkling eyes were gazing at her so earnestly and innocently.
"Royal Auntie... You are finally awake!"
The little girl lunged into her arms with the fearless enthusiasm only children possessed, pushing Dakota back into the bed with the force of her joy.
Dakota's heart, which had been a lead weight in her chest since the seizures, suddenly felt lighter. Takoda was okay. The little girl was okay. Cheerful and bright-eyed and wonderfully, beautifully *alive*.
