"Lordy, Miss Chrissi, how much ink did you swim in this morning?"
Elsie's voice rang out from the hallway just as Christina Hale stepped carefully out of her cloak, fingers still smudged faintly with ink. The scent of lavender starch trailed ahead as her maid entered carrying a basin, arms crossed and eyes narrowed fondly.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA2VfzMQBZ
"I got most of it off," Christina replied with a smirk, flexing her fingers. "Besides, the column's booming. Dozens of letters this week. One poor bride wants to know if her horse should match her carriage ribbons."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidwd7ocEii
Elsie snorted. "She better hope the horse can spell his vows."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKIplRyd1i
Christina laughed, the sound light as spun sugar.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgacJtT5vsT
Her silk skirts whispered as she glided down the grand staircase, her gown catching the golden light from the upper windows. The color—dusty periwinkle with a faint gold thread—made her feel like something from a painted portrait. She didn't mind.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UxAgcUh3l
Behind her, Elsie murmured, mostly to herself, "Just once, I'd like one of these grooms to come with a brain instead of boots."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmm4h0tGiU
Christina smiled but didn't turn back. The show was about to begin.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2yL5z6Xz8
---
"Christina! Come meet our guest—he's interviewing us for that article. Something about colonial shipping."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Z3QyPdRhu
"Oh, it's... a piece on rising shipping lane enterprises," Ethen offered, "for a regional journal. Highlighting Loyalist firms with expanding colonial reach."
Thomas's voice carried easily from the drawing room, warm with the kind of pride that disguised possession.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI805rFWc5T
She descended with care, skirts floating behind her like a sigh. A second voice—young, steady—murmured in reply. Unfamiliar.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvSq9HAih1
When she entered the tea room, it was already dressed for performance: gleaming porcelain, lemon curls in crystal, silver glinting on linen. The stranger stood as she entered.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NvgjAvGP5
"Miss Hale," he said with a respectful nod. "Ethan Tallmadge. My father runs a printshop in New Castle."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyVHv0g2OI
"A man of ink." Christina returned the nod with practiced charm. "How fitting."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRdAT4shlZ
Thomas motioned to the teapot. "Christina's our family scandal. Father bought her a little print shop years ago—thought it'd be a phase. Nothing extravagant, but it kept her entertained."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUgqrgfOuE
"And profitable," she replied, easing into the chair across from Ethan. "The column—whoever writes it—has paid him back twice over so far."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ0KQgJgP0
Thomas chuckled, slicing a lemon with theatrical care. "He splits the earnings. Half goes into a trust Christina can dip into for anything Father won't approve of. The other half's earmarked for her future husband. Keeps the ledger tidy."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ChzS8eRjf
Christina stirred her tea with precision. "Of course. I'll marry well. My dowry will ensure it. Father finds love impractical—like poetry in a warehouse ledger. But I'm still attractive enough to be useful." She looked to Ethan. "Isn't that the phrase?"20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdZgloPH0d
He didn't flinch, but his fingers had stilled slightly on the rim of his cup.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe70SW7efCf
She tilted her head. "Will we be seeing you at the ball this evening?"20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfE5wfG01T
He met her gaze steadily. "No, I'm afraid not. I've business in Richmond—deliveries to make, contacts to meet. I leave before dawn."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpMa4pPLHu
Thomas gave a short laugh, standing to retrieve his coat. "Well, you'll miss quite the ball. Every notable family will be there. A few promising suitors for Christina, too. We must marry her off before she starts forming opinions."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPxusX6MxM
Christina stood with him, gloves already tucked in hand. Her smile was nearly radiant.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL83lXhG6z
"Well, Mr. Tallmadge," she said, "may Richmond bring you something... enlightening."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IYpEkpy4x
Ethan rose with them. "Next time I'm in Williamsburg, perhaps you'll show me your shop. Being a printer's son, I'd love to see what others are doing—especially if your anonymous column is that profitable. Might be something my family should invest in."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7l0DaPfxd
Thomas smirked. "Careful. She'll have you printing heartbreak and hair ribbons in a week."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K4q3Dv1s9
But Ethan's eyes stayed on hers. "Still profitable, though. And that's what matters."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJusiDwRR0
Christina met his gaze with something more practiced than warmth. "Williamsburg," she said, looping her arm through her brother's, "has its own definition of value, Mr. Tallmadge."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGkN8s0Bbv
And just like that, they swept from the room—Thomas full of ambition, Christina full of riddles, and Ethan with the distinct feeling that her ink could leave stains long after it dried.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0BFJ3pgNg
And just like that, ink met match.
–––
The ballroom shimmered under the gentle glow of numerous candles. Music wafted from a string quartet tucked in the far corner, each note mingling with the subdued hum of refined conversation and laughter. Christina, her periwinkle gown and gold accents catching every stray beam of light, moved with poised deliberation across the polished floor, escorted by her ever-watchful brother, Thomas.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZtZ9ObptI
Before they reached the center of the room, a graceful figure in exquisite rose-hued satin appeared from the throng—a lady whose presence bespoke her status as one of the evening's hostesses. It was none other than the governor's wife, Mrs. Ashbury. With a warm smile and an assured nod, she gently steered Thomas aside for a brief private moment.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtbGmqgZCJ
"Thomas," Mrs. Ashbury murmured as they strolled a side corridor draped in velvet, "it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. Benedict Amherst. His name has sparked no small amount of admiration in our circles."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu939pX1MQ
Her gaze slid meaningfully to Christina. "Do be a dear and present him to your sister."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrL6DsiJfz
Thomas's smile barely touched his eyes. "Miss Hale—Mr. Benedict Amherst. He hails from Norfolk, and has made rather a name for himself in maritime trade. A connection the Hale family would, I think, find... familiar."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZNjWh4bWE
He gestured broadly, as if casting a net made of expectations.
Benedict stepped forward. Tall, with measured grace and eyes that carried a hint of quiet calculation, he bowed slightly. "Miss Hale, it is an honor. I've heard that your reputation extends beyond mere beauty—into realms of enterprise and letters. I trust our acquaintance tonight shall be most enlightening."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0yFDGRv2W
"Mr. Amherst, how flattering. One hopes that a woman's wit might occasionally rise to meet her reputation. In my experience, ink and ingenuity are often the most underestimated forms of capital."
Mrs. Ashbury interjected lightly, "Indeed, Miss Hale. And it is my hope that the finest qualities be brought together tonight." Her tone was both encouraging and commanding, a reminder that even in this world of grand orchestration, every meeting was carefully arranged.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10EvPPTmts
Thomas offered a small, satisfied smile as he took a step back, allowing the conversation to settle between Christina and Benedict. The ambient murmurs of the ballroom swirled around them. In that brief exchange, the seed of intrigue was sown—each word measured, each glance weighted with potential. Christina's eyes glinted with the unspoken challenge of a woman who was as much a puzzle as she was a promise, while Benedict's steady gaze showed that he, too, was captivated by the prospect of what may lie beneath the flawless surface.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m6qVkfgsE
As the orchestra resumed a sweeping waltz, the trio moved together toward the dance floor—a deliberate and graceful progression into an evening where alliances were forged and reputations, like ink on fine paper, were destined to leave their mark.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq2uuAVKsr
---
The waltz soared, its rhythm deliberate and delicate—exactly the kind that demanded practiced grace and a partner who understood tempo like a contract. Benedict led well, but not gently; his hold was firm, his gaze intent.
"So," he began smoothly, "your brother claims your little printshop is becoming quite the sensation."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd3cSABrPD
Christina's smile softened without sweetening. "Only among the ribbon-obsessed and the heartbroken. But yes—the column earns its keep."
"And your father allows this... enterprise?"
"He takes his half," she replied, voice light. "It was his gift to begin with. But the shop is mine, legally. The deed bears my name."
Benedict's steps didn't falter—but she felt something shift in the flex of his arm. "For now."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO5TI6Da2w
She tilted her chin. "There's a clause in the marriage contract. The property and profits remain with me. Permanently."
A pause.
"Very forward-thinking," he said, evenly.
"I've always liked being ahead of the press run," she replied with a pleasant shrug.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhTbDZb2kb
As the dance ended, a flushed young man with soft curls and nervous hands stepped forward, bowing with clear effort.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJIPEmpFXA
"Miss Hale," he stammered, "if you're not already—might I have the next dance?"
He was respectable, but modestly born. His collar was slightly wilted.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdulKOkhUad
Before Christina could part her lips, Benedict stepped half a pace forward.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJBbrvGFVv
"She's otherwise engaged," he said, clipped and cool.
The young man blinked. "I—I didn't realize. My apologies."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRj7WXiCg8
Benedict didn't answer. The boy turned, crestfallen, disappearing into the crowd.
Christina glanced up at her partner. "Was that necessary?"
His smile didn't reach his eyes. "He's beneath your station."
"I see," she said quietly.
She didn't say more, but her expression smoothed into something unreadable—beautiful, courteous, and distant as the moon behind lace.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwDJBIktuY
---20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYL7K1inGdT
They moved to the punch table, where crystal bowls gleamed and laughter floated like perfume. The sting of citrus and crushed berries filled the air.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCypseqVDV
"Amherst," a voice called. "By God, I thought you'd ducked the candlelight."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTKeVXFM9j
A uniformed officer approached—braided epaulets, boots dusted faintly with travel. His face was lean, eyes sharp.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMuHr4J8wV
"Winslow," Benedict greeted, clapping his shoulder. "Did they drag you out of the field with promises of cake and coquettes?"20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhfOahsovW
20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDD9vsOfVm
"I needed both," the lieutenant said with a half-smile. "But I came for news."
He lowered his voice, glancing at the gathered crowd. "Word is there's a Continental sympathizer operating here in Williamsburg. Not a soldier. Someone quiet. Possibly a woman."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInGKzynOdi
Benedict scoffed. "A woman? Scribbling secrets between embroidery threads?"20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPC7Z0d2KS
"They think she's using a local business," Winslow said. "Maybe a shop or press. Gossip as cover for messages. Clever work."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3ZwECfqxN
Christina widened her eyes with perfect concern.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcLFQg41l1
"Oh my," she said softly. "A woman doing all that thinking? I couldn't imagine being clever enough to scheme like that."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67V5AuTtaw
Winslow chuckled.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh22gGrYOoA
She turned her gaze to him, soft and silken. "I'm quite lucky, you know. Born into the right family. I'll find a charming husband, plan a luncheon or two, maybe name a spaniel after a virtue. That's the best kind of life, isn't it, Lieutenant?"20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FbjaBaAs3
Winslow blinked—then smiled. "Yes, Miss Hale. Arguably the most dangerous kind."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjuu233SLG
She laughed, lilting and warm. "Only if the punch is too sweet."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUVF2YxCKA
The men returned to their low murmurings. Christina took a slow sip and looked out across the crowd—memorizing names, faces, uniforms, and a single whispered port city she'd overheard.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcclvdy91cM
She smiled, and filed it away.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzRkizzOhD
---20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvktNztqDgn
The orchestra struck the opening notes of another waltz—slower this time, ceremonial. Benedict extended his hand with a stiff smile. "Shall we?"20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIjypSIaJu
Christina hesitated just long enough to make it a choice—then nodded. "Of course."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5Kfw1x6MR
They danced without words for the first half. His form was impeccable, his focus unwavering, yet she noticed it now—the way his jaw tensed when he wasn't speaking, the calculated grip of his hand at her back.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZGjXwyzpQ
When the music faded, he bowed deeply. "Thank you, Miss Hale. I look forward to... future conversation."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEeIKeB5vC
"And I," she replied, with a smile that gave nothing away.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnRbA3K8uH
As Benedict disappeared into the crowd, Thomas reappeared at her side, offering his arm.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeshedYj8F
"Well?" he asked under his breath, all pleasantness dropped. "Was he attentive? Appropriately impressed? Considering a formal call?"20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq7Vr1ndzF
Christina didn't answer at first. Her fan hovered slightly above her corset.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJEdRzr6yw
"He asked thoughtful questions. But not about me. Not really. About the shop. About my dowry. And when I corrected him on ownership, he didn't like it."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5XfGDlURc
Thomas sighed, already tired of nuance. "None of that matters."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIv8sOBSgV
She looked up at him sharply.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn9c01hnyH
He added, "You're not marrying someone for their tolerance. You're marrying for the ledger. And he's right—those boys who stumble over their collars and ask for dances like favors? They're beneath you."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvt4NlPdrA
Christina's jaw tightened, but she kept walking.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwx5klDkzat
Only when they reached the edge of the ballroom did she murmur, "I'd rather be underestimated by an honest man... than tolerated by one who wants to amend the terms."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdNM5GRL6z
Thomas didn't reply.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFkB9kfRhB
He didn't have to.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJJwOtl11U
---20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUKLkkqB3W
As they reached the edge of the ballroom, Thomas adjusted his cuff and leaned in, his voice low and clipped.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegNI5zT7fC
"Well, you can dance with one of the other eligible bachelors," he said, scanning the crowd, "or we can go home for the night. Your call."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRBs0Gm5hV
Christina didn't hesitate.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoZYTD2tXe
"Home," she said, already turning. "I've played the part tonight. I'd rather not repeat my lines."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HEWykRdVp
Thomas raised a brow but said nothing more.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1x2lRGtpz
By the time the carriage pulled away from the glowing estate windows, she was staring out into the dark—counting how long before the hallway lamps would dim. Before the servants retired. Before the city drifted into quiet, and the only sound left in the world would be the turning of a press.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlSTnoh0oX
---20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71fE54EYrU
The Hale carriage rattled softly through the narrow brick streets, lanterns casting pale gold shadows against the velvet interior. The night had quieted, but tension settled thick between brother and sister.
Thomas exhaled through his nose and broke the silence.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqTCLQxC4S
"You know this is for your good, Christina."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk1RDCBTWF
She didn't look at him.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu49JOiHN19
"You don't want to end up an old maid," he continued. "Benedict Amherst is well connected, tasteful, wealthy—"20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo9rNkpgbh
"Ambitious," she supplied, still watching the window.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyM3TXDe2e3
"You could do far worse. He's interested in you, and if you marry him, the Hale name will be set for decades."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOstt0ybjmO
She turned then. Slowly. Calmly.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPt2fJYoJj
"No. You would be."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPZTGqvUhV
Thomas blinked.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HIBxTRkoR
Christina's voice didn't rise. It didn't need to.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IzPHsRAao
"I don't get a penny from the shipping side of Father's estate. When he dies, every ship, every ledger, every crate marked with Hale goes to you. Not me."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95uTr5uC9t
Her gloves were in her lap now, neatly folded.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3l8vmHodmm
"Who I marry elevates you. Every handshake, every investment—every child I produce will carry your legacy. Not mine."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObzbNfAv8R
Thomas shifted uncomfortably, suddenly unsure of the upholstery.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84DNEYApiE
"So," she said, still quiet, "the next time you parade me through a ballroom and call it charity, try saying thank you instead."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbslcVOVMlv
He opened his mouth.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkYGB7eo0G
She didn't let him speak.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YhjqbyX5t
"You may be the next Sir Hale," she finished, folding her hands. "But it's who I marry that makes you more profitable. Not me."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiUbLq8NWK
The rest of the ride passed in silence.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcT3ixY5Er
And as they reached the glowing drive of the Hale estate, Christina smiled faintly.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZBSUPHSVR
"I'll do my part," she murmured, stepping down. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm a Hale, after all."20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCq1XEzNI5
---20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0234G37nmd
The Hale estate slept.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlSwXInlME
Its windows dimmed one by one, shutters closed against the moonlight. The hallways hushed, the servants' footsteps stilled. Somewhere, a candelabra guttered into silence.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubMU3LQKgX
And Christina Hale slipped out the kitchen door with a ribbon-wrapped parcel and purpose in her step.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GnmjkqXWt
Her slippers barely kissed the bricks as she moved—skirt hem pinned, curls tucked into the hood of a charcoal cloak. No jewelry. No paint. Just breath and silk and the weight of knowing.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqktaTw4vZ
The city was different at 3:18 a.m.—all soft echoes and old smells. Yeast and salt, the faint iron of the port. She let herself into the print shop with a key she'd had cut by a locksmith who once asked no questions.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTJVydeefd
Inside, the air was cold but loyal. She didn't light every lamp. Just the one she needed. The press loomed in its corner like a silent sentinel, the plate waiting for her next breath.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64RCgv4u8q
She slipped the parcel onto the table and unwrapped it: a velvet-bound notebook, ribbon-tied ink, and the latest letters she'd collected.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRj3i5l6u8
But she had written this one herself, by candlelight in her room, waiting for the household to sleep. Should she print it? Should she throw it away? She didn't know what to do.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X6pMAXaWi
Dear Miss Ginny,20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkSGOpprjA
To whom it may concern—
Somewhere in the shops or homes of our quiet Williamsburg—our city we like to think is far from the world's turning—a name is being whispered. A possible spy against the English crown.
I do not know who they are. But loyalist households are murmuring, and the circle is tightening.
Could you imagine? Betraying your country in such a way? What would you do, Miss Ginny? What should someone do, if they suspect something?
— A Concerned Citizen
She took a clean sheet. Dipped the quill.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbuTSBqBnm
To whom it may concern,20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP1VnZcBVc
If your information is correct, then the war is far closer than many of us would like to believe. And if that is the case—it could be anyone. Anywhere. A shopkeeper. A scholar. A guest at the last ball.
My advice to you is this: stay vigilant. Be careful where you go. Be careful who you're with.
What is whispered in a safe room today may echo loudly in a courtroom tomorrow.
— Your friend,
Ginny
She stared down at the typeset reply signed Your friend, Ginny, the press oiled and ready to run.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrsQulKBi3
But her fingers didn't move.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYWUFT13l5
What you're about to do, she thought, they'd call treason.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b0Wz9ARef
Thomas. Father. Every guest in that ballroom. Every man who clapped Benedict Amherst on the back. To them, this wasn't journalism. It wasn't morality. It was betrayal.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMt64WDYv7p
And she was a Hale.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pvuhTSt2g
She pressed her palm flat against the pressplate, feeling the cool metal bite against her skin. She thought of the family crest above the study door. Of her father's voice, crisp and tired: We don't trade in whispers, Christina. We trade in goods. In loyalty.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz52eHj9AQm
But what if this was loyalty? Not to a crown. Not to a name.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqH3eAs564
To a life. To a girl she'd never met. To someone being hunted for secrets—and the silence that would let it happen.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnYNUH3EVA
What if someone's daughter was about to die because everyone else stayed quiet?20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQV2Fie2N9
Her hand moved.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShPfXWVDaG
She slid the two sheets into the stack.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsYcXdvUow
And just before pulling the impression lever, she whispered aloud, as if the press might understand:20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIHva4tQv6
"This isn't disloyalty. This is witnessing."
---
She returned just before dawn.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQmRMCSx6t
The Hale estate was still and shadowed, the windows dulled with morning fog. No one stirred as she slipped inside. Her slippers were damp, the hem of her cloak scented with ash and ink.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWpPeJwfN7
Upstairs, her room was unchanged—lace curtains, soft woolen quilt, a porcelain brush untouched since dusk.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGUvE4ePqw
She washed her hands in a basin too cold to calm her.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgE2hyJeot
The ink didn't fully lift.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYomAlgn7G
She crawled into bed with her gloves tucked beneath the pillow and her fingers still stained, heart still echoing with the sound of type striking plate. It should have felt like safety.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTktKfKByj
Instead, it felt like waiting.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9awXfZz8V
What if they find the column? What if someone sees beneath the name "Ginny"?20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL3JSmeb5y
She turned onto her side, tucking the blankets around her ribs. Her throat ached. Her breath wouldn't settle.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCW3xcx2Lu
She loved her family.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuE3LRe3S0
But she had done the right thing.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffxIzfZ14W
Hadn't she?20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU5iyrNYr4
She closed her eyes, but the question curled into the dark with her, quiet and sharp as ink on the inside of a glove.20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RglMN5nxn
Who are you becoming, Christina Hale?20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykyA4AcyQ0
And deeper still—20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXjLylMIxH
Can you ever become someone else... and still be a Hale at all?20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3Iy6l5hpa
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