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"Her influence is visible," he says.

"So are its results."

"Results do not remove the risk."

"No strength is without risk."

He looks toward the guard holding the tablet. "If their loyalty divides?"

"It has not divided."

"If it does?"

"Then we judge the act, not the possibility."

Beatrix shows Jory how to shave the healthy root along its metallic grain. Her hands guide the knife without taking it from him. She could prepare the medicine faster alone. Instead, she teaches him to recognize the difference that keeps a patient alive.

That knowledge will remain inside House Obsidius even when she is occupied elsewhere.

"A guard who breathes because of Beatrix fights more effectively," I say. "A servant whose burns heal works without infection. Traders who trust her bring supplies and warnings to this spire before they carry them elsewhere. Loyalty she earns does not diminish House Obsidius. It strengthens the house because she is part of it."

Grolm's crimson eyes move from her to me.

"She is human."

"I am aware."

"Others will say you place her above her station."

"Others may enter the arena if they want authority over my house."

The answer ends his resistance.

Grolm inclines his head. "Your ruling stands. I will assign escorts formally and require the neighboring servants to enter through the southern checkpoint."

"Do so. Interfere only if the trade endangers the spire."

"Yes, my lord."

He leaves to convert an influence he distrusts into a system he can defend.

I remain outside the solarium.

Jory cuts the next root correctly. Beatrix inspects the exposed center and permits him to add it to the grinding bowl. Satisfaction warms her expression for an instant before she gives him another task.

She has taken a neglected room, survived its destruction, and rebuilt it into a source of health, trade, and intelligence. Korgath called her a weakness because he understands power only when it wears armor.

I understand power in every form that survives pressure.

What moves through me is not mere relief that her work benefits my household. It is pride.

Beatrix's strength belongs to her.

By her choice and the place she has carved within these walls, that strength now stands with House Obsidius.

17

BEATRIX