Rosa and Shahnaz exchanged idle chatter for an hour without really telling how fast the time passed, the conversation flowed as smoothly as the fruit juices served to them by the tanned men surrounding them. They relentlessly fanned the ladies with large leaves while offering them delectable, unfamiliar sweets, which they placed from time to time in their mouth.
"You are a very intriguing woman, Dame Rose," Shahnaz remarked, "The rebellious Lady Elara Highmore also piques my interest. Now that we've shared such pleasant company, I must ask: what prompted you to present such an entertaining proposal today?"
Rosa allowed her mouth to settle into a grimace knowing it was time to close the deal. "Lady Shahnaz, are you familiar with an administrator named Zarek?"
Shahnaz's expression grew guarded as she nodded slowly. Rosa took a deep breath, forcing herself into a vulnerable stance she deeply resented.
