Eleanor's POV
I reached out my hand toward him, keeping my expression cold and unreadable. "I could be less selfish right now. Let you have a little of the glory I'm going to get. Share it, even."
Nomad's eyes flicked to my outstretched hand, then back to my face. He didn't move.
"If you're involved in my rise," I continued, "then Mother will definitely never see you as a stranger again. She'll know you're just as important as me. Maybe more. Isn't that what you want? Recognition? To be seen?"
He stared at me for a long moment. Then, quietly, "Why would you want to help me?"
I kept my hand extended, my voice flat. "Don't see this as help. See it as an opportunity. One that you will still pay back. Eventually. That's how this family works, isn't it? Nothing is free. Or have you forgotten?"
He was silent for a moment. Then, slowly, he reached up and took my hand. His fingers were cold, his grip hesitant.
