Traded to the tyrant
Marrow looked between Draven’s royal bearing and Elara’s unwavering, silver gaze.
"A council of equals," the Admiral murmured, testing the phrase on his tongue as though tasting strange wine. "No high crown in Silvercrest. No imperial decrees seizing maritime trade."
"A sovereign seat for House Marrow at the grand table," Elara stated, her voice quiet, absolute, and carrying the weight of an unshakeable promise. "Your shipyards remain yours. Your trade routes remain yours. And the southern fleet answers only to the southern admiralty."
Marrow set the papers down. He reached to his belt, drawing his short naval dagger with a slow, deliberate movement. With the tip of the blade, he sliced a sh