Samuel blinked, looking down at the fortune. "What is this?"
"Your allowance," Heena replied smoothly, crossing her arms over her chest. "You earned it tonight. Buy yourself all the neon pink silk your heart desires."
Samuel stared at the gold, and then threw his head back and laughed—a genuine, unrestrained sound that filled the small space of the carriage. He picked up the pouch, weighing it in his hand, his dark eyes sparkling with absolute delight.
"You are far too generous, Wife," Samuel smiled, leaning in close. "I suppose I will just have to find a way to repay you for this."
Heena just scoffed, turning her head to look out the window as the carriage rolled through the quiet, moonlit streets of the capital. The banquet was over, but the war for the empire had only just begun.
