Twelve-year-old Julian Ravenshade sat poised at the head of the children's table. His sharp green eyes glinted, his silver goblet untouched. The hall fell still, captivated by the gravity of his voice.
Lady Margaret tilted her head, her soft pale features unreadable. "What would you want to demand, Julian?"
"Demand and it will surely be established." Lord Gaius said proud and assuring.
Julian turned his cold gaze toward Lord Gaius. "A position at the family trade… for Lady Louisa."
The breath was sucked from the room.
Gasps echoed like ripples through the noble ranks. Servants froze mid-pour. Even Lord Roman's wine halted near his lips.
Lady Louisa blinked. Her fingers stilled on her goblet. Then it struck her. The Deal.
Her lips parted slightly. Julian, though twelve years, her junior, had remembered.
"That's a tough one," Lord Roman said, breaking the silence. "It is Hale custom that no woman handles the family trade."
