Chapter 58
The restaurant had been cleared before they arrived.
Not entirely.
But enough.
Enough that the murmured conversations softened, the staff moved with careful precision, and no one questioned why the Crown Prince and the newly appointed governess of Ambervale were being led to a private table near the window.
Dara noticed it immediately.
Of course she did.
She also noticed the view.
The street below was busy—vendors, carts, people moving with purpose, goods shifting through the city in quiet, constant flow.
Inefficient, yes—but improving. Soon.
Valerius pulled out her chair. Dara paused for only a fraction before sitting. “Thank you.”
He took the seat across from her this time, not beside her.
More private.
More intentional.
A server approached, bowed, and began listing the day’s offerings. Dara listened carefully, very carefully, her expression composed.
Inside—
This is acceptable.
She made her selection with quiet decisiveness. Valerius did the same far more quickly.
Of course he did.
He was not evaluating seasoning potential.
Once the server left, the silence that followed was not uncomfortable.
It was measured.
Then Valerius said, “You moved quickly.”
Dara glanced up.
“And generously.”
Ah. That.
Dara folded her hands lightly on the table. “I’m only temporary. I’d like to see results while I still can.”
A pause.
Then, with a small, almost innocent smile, “Besides, a more efficient city improves trade. That benefits me.”
Valerius watched her.
Not critically. Not skeptically.
Just watching.
“As expected.”
Dara blinked once.
What did that mean?
Before she could decide, he continued, “I would be happy to contribute as well.”
Dara stilled. “…That’s very generous of you,” she said slowly, carefully.
Why is he helping?
Outwardly, she inclined her head. “I appreciate the support, Your Highness.”
He did not correct the formality, but something in his expression softened.
“You did not accuse them,” he said.
Dara leaned back slightly. “No.”
A pause.
“Not yet.”
That earned her a faint smile.
“You wanted them to speak.”
“People reveal more when they believe they are explaining themselves.”
“Mm.”
A quiet acknowledgment, not disagreement but understanding.
Good.
Their food arrived, and Dara’s attention shifted immediately.
She observed the plating, the aroma, the texture. Very important considerations.
She took a bite, paused, considered, and said, “…Acceptable.”
Valerius watched her again. “I assume that is high praise.”
“It can be improved.”
“Naturally.”
A brief silence followed.
Comfortable.
Then he said, “You handled the room well.”
Dara paused—just slightly. That meant something.
She set her utensils down with quiet care. “Thank you.”
Simpler than usual. Less calculated.
Valerius did not push further. “They will not be pleased.”
Dara picked up her drink. “They don’t need to be.”
“No.”
“They simply need to comply.”
That earned her a soft exhale that might have been amusement. “They will come to you.”
Dara took a slow sip. “I hope they do.”
He studied her.
Of course he did.
“You are very efficient,” he said.
“I have limited time.”
A pause followed. Something in his gaze shifted—subtle, but there. “You believe that.”
Dara looked at him. “I do.”
He did not argue, simply filed it away with annoying perception.
Dara returned to her meal and took another bite. Better this time, though still lacking—which meant they would need better chefs.
“If you intend to build a menagerie,” Valerius said.
Dara looked up immediately, giving him her full attention. “…I do.”
“There are protected grounds beyond the eastern ridge.”
“Protected?”
“Rare species. Some are not easily found.”
Dara leaned forward slightly, interest clear now. “Accessible?”
“For you? Yes.”
That—
That was not a small statement.
Dara considered it. “I would like to see them.”
“As expected.”
Simple. Certain.
Cai’s voice drifted in lazily. “You were supposed to be planning blackmail and extortion.”
Dara did not react outwardly. I can plan and observe animals.
“Those are not the same activity.”
They can be.
Valerius tilted his head slightly. “You’re thinking about placement already.”
Dara blinked. “…Yes.”
He smiled, faint and knowing. “Of course you are.”
Dara took another bite, then thoughtfully said, “We’ll need separate districts.”
“For?”
“Aquatic and land-based collections.”
Valerius did not question the phrasing. “Of course.”
“Water clarity will matter.”
“It usually does.”
“For viewing.”
“I see.”
Dara nodded, satisfied. This was progressing well. Then she paused, fork hovering mid-air. “We also need better desserts.”
Valerius looked at her. “Is that part of your city reform?”
“Yes.”
Without hesitation.
“Of course.”
A beat.
Then, lightly, “I can have someone brought in from the capital.”
Dara looked at him slowly. “…That won’t be necessary.”
A pause.
Then—
“…yet.”
Valerius smiled.
Just slightly.
And for a brief moment, the weight of the council, the tension, and the expectations all slipped quietly to the side, leaving only good food, better plans, and a city that—whether she intended it or not—was beginning to bend around her.