The Skyglass Deal

The candlelight showed three weathered faces as Seraphina stepped into the room.

"Someone who has business to discuss," she said, using Phinia Ashara's confident voice. "And money to make it worth your time."

But her heart was hammering. This had to work. If the deal fell through, she'd lose more than just mining rights. She'd lose her shot at real independence. The kind that couldn't be taken away by her husband or cousin.

What if they see through me? What if this is a trap?

The man at the center table looked up from maps spread across the surface. Young, maybe her age, with good looks that came from outdoor work. His companions sat on either side - a sharp-eyed woman who looked like his sister, and an older man with his hand near his weapon.

"Well, this is unexpected," the young lord said, standing with a smile meant to charm. "We don't often get visitors at this hour. Especially not such lovely ones."

"I apologize for the late visit," Seraphina said, moving closer. His eyes lingered on her face. "Phinia Ashara, Independent Trader. I've heard about your Skyglass mining venture, Lord Marcus Branthorne."

"You have?" His smile got wider. "Most people think it's a fool's errand."

Behind her, Caelan shifted. Just enough for the floorboards to creak. But she caught something else - tension. The kind that came from watching someone else get attention.

Marcus looked toward the sound, his charm cooling when he noticed the masked figure. "And your companion?"

"Security," she said smoothly. Marcus's eyes kept drifting back to her. "Dangerous times for independent merchants. I hope you don't mind the unannounced visit, but I heard you were looking for investors."

The woman's sharp gaze focused on Caelan's mask. "Interesting choice of security. Most guards don't hide their faces."

The older man shifted, hand moving closer to his weapon. "Makes a man wonder what he's hiding."

Seraphina kept her voice casual. "He's very distinctive looking. Draws too much attention in certain circles. The mask helps him blend in when we need to move quietly."

"Burn scars," she added with just the right sympathy. "From a warehouse fire last year. He's sensitive about it."

Marcus's expression softened, though the older man still looked skeptical.

"My apologies," Marcus said, attention returning to her. "We've had to be cautious lately. Please, sit. It's refreshing to meet someone who's actually heard about my research instead of dismissing it."

Seraphina took the offered seat, keeping her posture confident but not arrogant. Caelan stayed standing, positioned where he could watch the door and everyone in the room. But she noticed how he'd moved closer when Marcus complimented her.

"The situation is simple," Marcus began, leaning forward with enthusiasm. "Branthorne's Folly has been in our family for generations. Everyone called it worthless rock, but I spent three years doing proper surveys. Found Skyglass deposits that could change everything."

The woman rolled her eyes slightly. "Marcus has been trying to convince investors for months. Unfortunately, most people see a young lord with big dreams rather than solid research."

"Clara's being diplomatic," the older man said. "What she means is nobody trusts a twenty-five-year-old with their money, no matter how much homework he's done."

He pointed to a marked spot on the map. "Problem is extraction. Skyglass ore is a pain to mine. Needs specialized equipment, experienced crews, and a lot of money upfront."

"How much money?" Seraphina asked.

"Fifty thousand gold pieces. Minimum." Clara, clearly the practical sister. "I handle the family finances. We've run the numbers dozens of times, but investors keep walking away when they see how young Marcus is."

Marcus's jaw tightened. "Age shouldn't matter when the research is solid."

"Unfortunately, it does," the older man said. "I'm Thomas, family security. Been watching potential investors walk away from Marcus for two years now. Most won't even listen to his pitch."

Seraphina could see the frustration in Marcus's eyes, but also genuine passion. "And what do those surveys actually show?"

Marcus's eyes lit up as he spread out geological charts. "Conservative estimates put one successful expedition at two hundred thousand gold. But Miss Ashara, may I call you Phinia? These aren't just any Skyglass deposits. The mineral density is exceptional."

He leaned closer as he explained, clearly trying to impress her. Behind her, she could feel Caelan's disapproval. When Marcus's hand brushed hers pointing to a survey marker, Caelan's boot scraped the floor.

"One good vein could fund a small army," Marcus continued. "Or in your case, whatever ventures a brilliant businesswoman like yourself might have in mind."

Or influence a kingdom, Seraphina thought. "My terms are straightforward. Majority stake, exclusive rights, and discretion in all business matters."

"In exchange for full funding and equipment," Clara said. "It's generous. Maybe too generous. What's your real interest here?"

Seraphina leaned forward. "Profit. And beating House Valen to the prize."

Marcus's eyes sharpened. "You know about Valen's interest?"

"I know they've been circling your family for weeks. Offering partnership deals that would leave you with scraps while they control everything." She pulled out a prepared document. "I'm offering something different. You keep operational control. Your family name stays on the venture. I just provide the resources."

Thomas spoke up with obvious protectiveness toward Marcus. "How do we know you can deliver? No offense, but you're the first person to take our lord seriously. Independent traders don't usually have fifty thousand gold lying around."

"Fair question." Seraphina reached into her cloak and pulled out a smaller bag. Gold coins spilled across the table. "Consider this a down payment. Proof I'm serious."

Clara picked up one of the coins, testing its weight. "These are genuine. High quality." She looked up with new respect. "Where did you get this kind of money?"

"Smart investments. Careful planning. And a talent for spotting opportunities others miss." Seraphina met each of their eyes. "The question is whether you're ready to move forward. House Valen won't wait much longer."

Marcus and Clara looked at each other. Some silent conversation happened.

"There's something you should know," Marcus said finally. "You're not the only one who's contacted us recently."

Seraphina's pulse sped up, but she kept her face neutral. "Oh?"

"House Verenor approached us yesterday," Clara said. "Made a very similar offer. Full funding, minimal interference, generous profit sharing."

The name hit Seraphina like cold water. House Verenor. She'd never heard it spoken in polite company, but she'd caught whispers. The kind of house that funded things other houses wouldn't touch. That made people disappear when deals went bad.

Her father had mentioned them once, years ago, in a hushed conversation with her mother. Something about old blood and older grudges.

"Interesting," she said carefully. "And their terms?"

"About the same as yours," Thomas admitted. "Maybe even slightly better in some areas."

Marcus leaned forward. "Though I have to say, Phinia, even if House Verenor's offer proves more attractive to my family, there might still be ways for someone with your expertise to remain involved. Perhaps in a consulting capacity?" His smile was warm, clearly hoping to keep her in his orbit regardless.

Behind her, Caelan went very still.

Seraphina felt the deal slipping away. Marcus wasn't just talking business anymore.

"I see." She leaned back, mind racing. "What's holding you back from accepting their offer right now?"

"Caution," Marcus said. "Verenor is mysterious. Old name, but they've been quiet for decades. Their sudden interest in Skyglass mining raises questions."

"What kind of questions?"

"The kind that get people killed," Clara said bluntly. "We've heard rumors. Whispers about Verenor operations that went badly for their partners."

Thomas nodded grimly. "They have a way of making problems disappear. Along with the people who cause them."

Seraphina jumped on the opening. "That's the advantage of working with independent operators. No hidden agendas. No political complications. Just straightforward business."

"Maybe," Thomas said. "But Verenor has resources we can't ignore. They're offering extra security, established trade routes, protection from rival houses."

"And what happens when they decide your family has outlived its usefulness?" Seraphina shot back. "Independent merchants disappear. Noble houses survive."

Clara's eyes narrowed. "What guarantee do you have that you won't disappear just as easily?"

"Because I'm not working alone." Seraphina glanced toward Caelan. "And because my backing goes deeper than gold."

It was a good argument, but she could see it wasn't enough. The Branthorne family was torn between two offers, and she was losing ground.

Behind her, fabric rustled. Caelan stepped forward.

"Maybe," he said quietly, "it's time to clarify exactly what kind of backing Miss Ashara has."

He reached into his coat and pulled out something small and metallic. When he placed it on the table, candlelight caught detailed engravings.

A duke's seal. The crest of House Vorenthal.

All three Branthorne representatives leaned forward, eyes going wide.

"Miss Ashara," Caelan said, his voice carrying new weight, "has the full backing and protection of Duke Vorenthal. She operates under his personal guarantee."

He hadn't meant to use the seal. Not yet. But watching Marcus brush her hand had made something snap. His voice stayed cool. His pulse didn't.

The way he said "personal guarantee" made it clear this wasn't just business. Anyone interested in Phinia Ashara would have to go through the Duke first.

Marcus's mouth dropped open. Clara gripped the table edge. Thomas's hand moved away from his weapon.

"The Warden General?" Clara whispered.

"The same." Caelan's tone was matter-of-fact. "Duke Vorenthal has taken a personal interest in this venture. Miss Ashara operates with his complete confidence and unlimited access to ducal resources."

Seraphina forced herself to stay calm while her mind spun. Caelan had just committed himself publicly to her schemes.

"This changes things," Marcus said, still staring at the seal.

"House Verenor is tough," Clara admitted, "but they're not ducal. The protection of the Warden General..."

"Is worth more than extra gold," Thomas finished.

But Clara wasn't ready to concede. "What about accountability? If something goes wrong, what guarantees do we have that the Duke won't simply walk away?"

"The Duke's word is his bond," Caelan said, but Clara pressed harder.

"Words are wind when fortunes are at stake. We need assurances that go beyond promises."

"What would it take to satisfy your concerns?" Seraphina asked.

"A formal agreement," Thomas said. "Something that binds all parties legally."

"And what if the Duke's enemies decide to target us?" Clara added. "We're not equipped for that level of political warfare."

Caelan's expression hardened. "Anyone who threatens House Vorenthal's interests learns quickly why that's a mistake. Ask the last three houses that tried."

The quiet menace was unmistakable. Marcus straightened. Clara's eyes widened. Thomas actually smiled.

"Well then," Marcus said. "With ducal backing, we accept your proposal immediately."

Relief flooded through her. "Excellent. I think you'll find this partnership works well for everyone."

"However," Clara said, "there will be conditions."

"Name them."

"Publicly, this gets presented as Duke Vorenthal backing the promising merchant Phinia Ashara. Your name stays the primary contact. The Duke's involvement provides legitimacy and protection, but you handle day-to-day operations."

"Agreed."

"Security arrangements get coordinated through ducal channels," Thomas added.

"Makes sense."

Marcus spread out a contract. "Standard partnership agreement, modified for ducal involvement. Phinia Ashara gets sixty percent ownership, operational control, and exclusive extraction rights. House Branthorne retains thirty percent ownership and provides local expertise. Duke Vorenthal gets ten percent for financial backing, security, and political protection."

Seraphina read through the terms quickly. Everything looked good.

"One question," she said. "What will you tell House Verenor?"

"The truth," Clara replied. "That we've accepted a better offer."

"And if they're not happy with that answer?"

Marcus's expression hardened. "Then they'll have to take it up with Duke Vorenthal."

Contracts got signed. Gold changed hands.

When Marcus took Seraphina's hand to seal the deal, his grip lingered, his thumb brushing across her knuckles.

"To a profitable partnership, Phinia," he said, voice low and personal.

"We should go," Caelan said sharply, stepping closer. "It's getting late."

Marcus reluctantly released her hand, eyes still holding hers. "Of course. Though I do hope we'll have many opportunities to discuss the venture's progress in person. Business is always smoother when partners... trust one another."

There was something in his tone that made Seraphina pause. Just charming, or something else?

Caelan's jaw tightened visibly.

As they prepared to leave, Thomas approached her quietly.

"Miss Ashara," he said, "some advice. House Verenor doesn't lose well. They'll see this as more than a business setback."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean they'll want to know how an independent merchant convinced Duke Vorenthal to back a mining venture." His eyes flicked to Caelan. "And they'll want to know why."

Seraphina felt a chill.

"How long before word reaches them?"

"Hours. Maybe less." Thomas glanced around. "By dawn, every noble house in the kingdom will know that the Warden General has entered the Skyglass trade."

As they stepped out into the night, Seraphina's mind was already racing ahead. They'd won the first round, but now she had a bigger problem.

Footsteps echoed in the distance. Multiple sets, moving fast and organized.

"What time is it?" she asked Caelan urgently.

He pulled out a pocket watch. "Nearly one o'clock."

Her stomach dropped. She'd timed her departure based on Evelyne's schedule. Four hours was her window.

"I have thirty minutes to get back to the estate," she said, panic creeping in. "If I'm not in my chambers by then..."

"They'll know you were gone," Caelan finished. "And start asking questions you can't answer."

The footsteps were getting closer. Multiple sets now, moving with purpose.

"This way," Caelan said, leading her toward the shadows. "Stay close."

Behind them, candlelight still flickered in the building.

House Verenor would want answers about losing the deal.

But first, Seraphina had to survive the next thirty minutes without being discovered.

If anyone saw her like this - dressed as a merchant, out of bed at this hour - all her careful planning would fall apart. Phinia Ashara would die. And Seraphina would burn for it.