Under the Maltese Skies

[Omi]

Charlotte would have taken a step backwards when Enma rose from her chair to take her by the chin, but the window behind her would brook no further movement. She underwent a quick reassessment of her situation; poking the bear had, eventually, broken through that genial facade. It had been dangerous to provoke the Dona, but somehow part of her preferred this new honesty. At least Enma wasn't trying to bullshit her anymore.

"Look--" she began, a little caught off guard by the change of tack. "I didn't mean to offend you. I'm-- an exchange is how things are done, after all. I don't see what you'd get out of--" Charlotte resolved to choose her words carefully "--ah, accompanying me on my way to look for Claire, but if that's what you'll take in exchange for my freedom to fly a ship again and go beyond Malta, then I'm in no position to refuse."

Brushing her clothes down to compose herself a little, the princess raised a single hand in a gesture of apology.

"It was never my aim to antagonise you," she said smoothly. "I want both of us to get what we want -- you've dealt fairly by me, if nothing else. I doubt there's ever been a Sirian prisoner of Gallia treated as well as I've been, despite the circumstances. That, in and of itself, is something worth my favour -- and together with my sister's help, I could have the influence necessary to pay you back for your hospitality tenfold or more."

It was something of a gambit, to say the least. The dark-haired woman's eyes held Enma's own, betraying nothing of her emotions despite the tension evident in the room. The galactic map could have changed well beyond Charlotte's limited understanding of it, relegated to knowledge that was years out of date and some guessing based off what Enma had already told her, but she had to appeal to either a desire for power, influence, or maybe just the Dona's sheer irrationality.

"Alternatively, it would be sure to be an interesting journey and series of negotiations, if the thrill itself really is enough for you." She said that last bit with the merest ghost of a smile, her lips twitching up ever so slightly for effect, trying not to let the very real nervousness she felt inside show on her features. If she was to be returned to that godforsaken villa again...

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