#Chapter 62 A Woman Scorned

Kaine Bianca waits outside the training hall. Her posture is relaxed, almost casual, but her eyes scan my face the moment I step through the doorway. “I just finished my politics session,” she says brightly. “My tutor thinks I’m making progress. He mentioned I might be ready to sit in on a real trade meeting next month.” I nod without stopping. She falls into step beside me, undeterred. “I’ve been trying to keep up with all the material,” she continues. “History, diplomacy, everything. I even stayed late after my session yesterday to review with my combat tutor.” “That’s good,” I say. My voice is flat. It is all I can offer her right now. She looks up at me, searching. “You haven’t said much lately.” “I have been busy.” “I know,” she says. “But I want you to know I’m trying. This isn’t what I’m used to, what I learned at the girl’s academy, but I’m trying. I just want to be someone you can be proud of.” We reach the door to the meeting room I’m supposed to be in and I