In retrospect, Octavia probably would have thought through threatening Cambria more than Antonia had.

Nema had already turned, possibly sensing that Antonia had done something stupid. Her shoulders stiffened as she walked over, examining where Antonia and Viséan looked at one another. Elbon and Cretera both peered over from where they were sat with their own meals a few feet away, watching with thinly veiled interest.

Despite the obvious concern from those around her, Antonia pushed the fear away. She met Viséan's gaze, daring him to try anything. Perhaps she should be aware that his power appeared infinitely more mastered than hers. Still, he wasn't born with magic. She was. Surely that meant something? A sign that Antonia's journey wasn't meant for her to be killed in the middle of the desert with the First Chosen's blade in her throat.

Viséan only seemed thoughtful as he picked at his food, studying her with an intensity Antonia wasn't sure she liked.

"Do you know how Raja created Cambria?" he asked. Antonia kept silent. "How my family made this empire?"

She had probably learned it once as a child - long ago - but the history escaped her now.

"Countries like Htraeh gained land through conquering and war," Viséan said, pointedly looking at Elbon, who rolled his eyes and returned to his food. "Not my predecessors. We took the smarter approach. You see, for the longest time, Raja had nothing of value. No water magic to trade. No earth or fire or air magic. We had no lumber. No jewels. No silk. But, one day, my family found chosen magic."

Viséan held out his hand, and the white light burst into silhouettes. Antonia felt her skin prickle as she looked up, examining the moving light.

"My ancestors took it. They realized its power and realized what it could do. Then, they showed it to others." More silhouettes appeared, showing them all talking, then several of the shapes kneeling. From behind her, Nema leaned closer, arm brushed up against Antonia's back. "It started as small deals. My family would use its magic to aid in a war in exchange for food. For water. For water magic. For earth magic." Around the silhouettes, buildings began to appear. "The stronger they got, the more they asked for in return." At once, the light vanished, reappearing seconds later to show a map of Cambria. "Now? To receive the protection of chosen magic, you must serve the Chosen Family. It's a choice. We don't force anyone. It's a civil affair."

Viséan closed his hand, and the images disappeared once more.

"A naive person would say it is a virtuous way to gain power." His eyes flicked Antonia up and down. "Is that what you think?"

Antonia didn't answer. The truth was that she did. It was a version of ruling that had no bloodshed. No revolts. It sounded like the kindest way to grow your land...but uncertainty pulled at her as she thought about the voices she had heard back on the boat. How her father had bartered for Octavia's life. What was worse: using power to hurt or withholding it when it could help?

Viséan smiled at her. Something about it was filled with pity. "There is no such thing as good power, princess. Even those with the best intentions and the purest of souls will be villains at the end of the day. Sometimes, it is a necessary evil you commit. Other times, it is merely at whim. That's why Cambria doesn't give Chosen Magic to whoever is lucky enough to inherit it. We are tested to be part of the ruling family. We earn it. And we understand exactly what is at stake." Viséan leaned across the table. Antonia wanted to lean away, but she let him get closer so they were mere inches apart. "So, before you deliver any ultimatums, think about whether your brother really deserves the throne that you'll throw us all into war for." He jerked his head to Elbon, who was watching with a blank expression. His lips pursed, a subtle glint of expectation sitting behind his gaze. Antonia wasn't sure what he was hoping for her to say.

Heat touched her chest. Normally, a gaze as intense as Viséan's would be enough to make her cower, but Antonia found herself leaning forward, closing the space between them even more. Nema raised a hand in warning.

"My offer still stands," Antonia said. "If you were as good at diplomacy as you say you are... you would accept it."

Viséan hummed. Antonia worried she might have pushed too far, but to her surprise, he leaned back and took a few more pieces of food.

"I may be First Chosen, but I do not yet rule over Cambria," he said. "You'll need to speak to the Aik to solidify this deal of yours." Viséan poured himself some juice. "But, if I were you, I would figure out some better terms by the time you get to him."

"Why is that?" Nema asked sharply. Viséan kept his eyes on Antonia. She glared at him in return.

Viséan took a bite of chicken. "Well," he said, shrugging. "We could deny you support and let you go to Htraeh, to which the Htraeheans will probably use you as a weapon in a war against us... or we could kill you." Antonia's heart quickened. He raised a golden goblet and smiled. "Welcome to politics, princess. We're thrilled to have you here."