Only then did Katerina speak, her voice low and tight with frustration.
"That was a waste."
"Not entirely," Maude said quietly, glancing around to ensure no one was close enough to overhear.
"We made the approach and established a presence. The Prince knows who we are now."
"Not to mention that the empress and the crown princess have personally heard about us. It's a good start. We will get there eventually."
"But we didn't meet the Empress or the Crown Princess in person," Elizabeth said, her own disappointment evident.
"Which was the entire point of this trip."
"Plans adapt," Maude replied.
"We work with what we have."
They walked in silence for several minutes, navigating through crowds of merchants, nobles, and common citizens going about their business. The capital was always busy, always moving, a city that never truly slept.
