Young Lady Red arrived precisely on time, her presence as sharp and striking as ever—the embodiment of the bold, beautiful color itself made flesh. Ravina was already seated in the parlor, waiting as Lady Red glided inside, her movements exuding effortless grace. She sat with practiced elegance, just as the maids entered carrying a freshly brewed pot of tea, perfectly timed to her arrival.

“Quite the courteous welcome,” Lady Red remarked, her tongue as sharp as her piercing gaze.

“I just wanted you to feel at home,” Ravina replied with a small, controlled smile, her eyes following Lady Red as she lifted the delicate teacup for her first sip.

“South Mae Threaded Tea?” Lady Red identified the blend instantly, her tone betraying no surprise. For someone like her, such discernment was second nature.

“I heard it was your favorite.” Ravina gently swirled her tea, the vibrant green liquid catching the soft light. “I’ve come to appreciate the color, though I’m still undecided on the taste.” Below the surface, dregs of tea leaves rested in a cross-stitched pattern, giving the blend its name—Threaded Tea.

As the minutes passed, the tea deepened in hue, its flavor growing richer as it steeped. “I quite like it,” Lady Red said, her voice calm yet deliberate. “Change is the only constant in this world, and this tea embodies that perfectly. Even when it sits too long and becomes undrinkable, it’s simply a sign you’ve wasted your time.” Her words were accompanied by a fierce flash in her eyes—a fire of unshaken determination. “So, now that you’ve served the tea, let’s speak plainly. Why would you dare support me?”

Ravina smiled, taking her time to savor the tea. Its flavor was light, earthy, and smooth, with hints of oak and a subtle nuttiness. Setting her cup down gently, she finally responded, “It is quite good—I’ve become rather fond of it. But if we’re being blunt…” She slid her cup forward, letting it tip over and spill its contents onto the table. The vibrant green liquid spread across the polished surface. “Then I must admit, I’ve grown fond of you.”

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Lady Red’s eyes narrowed, suspicion sharpening her gaze. “And why is that?”

“Three engagements,” Ravina began, her tone even. “Each one broken off, reparations paid each time by the suitors’ families. Yet, rather than ruin them, those families flourished. I know why.”

“Impossible.”

“Ravens are everywhere in this country,” Ravina said smoothly. “Even I was surprised by how far their shadows stretch.”

“I didn’t—”

“Don’t deny it,” Ravina interrupted, her faint smile unyielding. “Your family dismissed you, used you. They are blind to the fact that you’ve contributed to over 29% of their growth. And that’s just from the shadows. All those connections, those deals… Lady Red—no, Dahlia—you are the perfect candidate to lead the Red family into the future. And I would be happy to help you—at a price.”

“Ah, there it is.” Dahlia’s smile curved elegantly, carrying an almost seductive air. “A price.”

“There is always one,” Ravina agreed, her tone matter-of-fact. “But this is less about me and more about the sins of your fathers. I would love to support you, but it was your aunt, I believe, who viciously cut the Ravenshields.”

A flicker of light danced in Dahlia’s eyes. “I don’t have an aunt,” she replied coldly, though a flicker of sadness smoldered in her gaze.

“Of course not,” Ravina said lightly. “It’s stricken from the records. But once, long ago, she did something that stained the Red name so deeply, no amount of fire could erase her from your family tree.”

Dahlia’s lips tightened, her smile fading. “It had nothing to do with me,” she hissed, her noble façade cracking briefly.

“Nor me,” Ravina admitted softly. “To be honest…” She hesitated, her words catching. No, she couldn’t be honest about this—not now. “I don’t remember much about the so-called incident. In the end, I was recognized as the daughter of the Raven by luck alone. But the count—my father—still blames the Red family for what happened. So, despite how I feel about you, I must set terms.”

Dahlia’s gaze sharpened as she focused intently on Ravina. “What exactly do you gain from this?” she asked.

“A friend,” Ravina said simply, her voice steady and sincere. “As I mentioned, I like the tea, the taste is growing on me.”