"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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbUJXzBHhN
"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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i1e7sGzaJ
Elsie snorted. "She better hope the horse can spell his vows."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylBqt6PEgw
Christina laughed, the sound light as spun sugar.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfuFVkXXkh
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDjuxTk5u0
Behind her, Elsie murmured, mostly to herself, "Just once, I'd like one of these grooms to come with a brain instead of boots."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4rbceGgri
Christina smiled but didn't turn back. The show was about to begin.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwy3K0QvUdb
---
"Christina! Come meet our guest—he's interviewing us for that article. Something about colonial shipping."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNl9MvtgNe
"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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXDzbk4ayK
She descended with care, skirts floating behind her like a sigh. A second voice—young, steady—murmured in reply. Unfamiliar.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJe3vher8S
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdU1cgwtWnZ
"Miss Hale," he said with a respectful nod. "Ethan Tallmadge. My father runs a printshop in New Castle."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsLlsAZHwX
"A man of ink." Christina returned the nod with practiced charm. "How fitting."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqfR3sU9H7
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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxWGL324ZZ
"And profitable," she replied, easing into the chair across from Ethan. "The column—whoever writes it—has paid him back twice over so far."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh8EA83hK1
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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTson4msyHm
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?"24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaJr19Jder
He didn't flinch, but his fingers had stilled slightly on the rim of his cup.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbei5T9oyW
She tilted her head. "Will we be seeing you at the ball this evening?"24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChWsoDb0Zi
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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCdhFMuggm
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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs58k0z4GJa
Christina stood with him, gloves already tucked in hand. Her smile was nearly radiant.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Y8by4xuYf
"Well, Mr. Tallmadge," she said, "may Richmond bring you something... enlightening."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG6uN8V9dk
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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpLR2VXvu4
Thomas smirked. "Careful. She'll have you printing heartbreak and hair ribbons in a week."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFlbHQLAOB
But Ethan's eyes stayed on hers. "Still profitable, though. And that's what matters."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoqImtJKBb
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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU7vQwWkEh
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcud1OCpfjK
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0xDDIimUq
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjubRfukO0c
"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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRxqvBGxHl
Her gaze slid meaningfully to Christina. "Do be a dear and present him to your sister."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CFU7MnYdb
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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR6MzgcQEt
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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhss9FClgu
"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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45WKV7qBOi
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQD1ugNlUY
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlsp1M3Q8w
---
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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BrCs1LZBp
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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIAtnx9hT5
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTmRNSWrmY
As the dance ended, a flushed young man with soft curls and nervous hands stepped forward, bowing with clear effort.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEQDHwHnmI
"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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsncWqFLuj
Before Christina could part her lips, Benedict stepped half a pace forward.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktBtyx04Eq
"She's otherwise engaged," he said, clipped and cool.
The young man blinked. "I—I didn't realize. My apologies."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj6qZKvIml
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt70Z9SSKA
---24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZFz2XkSWs
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmvafgP4Jw
"Amherst," a voice called. "By God, I thought you'd ducked the candlelight."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NTtpsgJgs
A uniformed officer approached—braided epaulets, boots dusted faintly with travel. His face was lean, eyes sharp.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDAs3w2Buw
"Winslow," Benedict greeted, clapping his shoulder. "Did they drag you out of the field with promises of cake and coquettes?"24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXecm3UTcJ
24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWmTlDTfpm
"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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGwjXyKsoK
Benedict scoffed. "A woman? Scribbling secrets between embroidery threads?"24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dwbljJ3YC
"They think she's using a local business," Winslow said. "Maybe a shop or press. Gossip as cover for messages. Clever work."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEmWob0DFE
Christina widened her eyes with perfect concern.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOjAr8mrlU
"Oh my," she said softly. "A woman doing all that thinking? I couldn't imagine being clever enough to scheme like that."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrEj40rrao
Winslow chuckled.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6KZIdy7pD
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?"24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLYcgimUUj
Winslow blinked—then smiled. "Yes, Miss Hale. Arguably the most dangerous kind."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFsfeC59Ks
She laughed, lilting and warm. "Only if the punch is too sweet."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ubFGlkJRX
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8PSJp5Z1R
She smiled, and filed it away.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTLo55uhb7
---24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5FhUhmRf1
The orchestra struck the opening notes of another waltz—slower this time, ceremonial. Benedict extended his hand with a stiff smile. "Shall we?"24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsLOKK48aP
Christina hesitated just long enough to make it a choice—then nodded. "Of course."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfGA0yAEjZ
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZVvLfaO1X
When the music faded, he bowed deeply. "Thank you, Miss Hale. I look forward to... future conversation."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGTqxzbCKJ
"And I," she replied, with a smile that gave nothing away.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n7F501beV
As Benedict disappeared into the crowd, Thomas reappeared at her side, offering his arm.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGOJhtGsuT
"Well?" he asked under his breath, all pleasantness dropped. "Was he attentive? Appropriately impressed? Considering a formal call?"24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBhTv1au5A
Christina didn't answer at first. Her fan hovered slightly above her corset.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaIXOOBgfi
"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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqoWFeesJv
Thomas sighed, already tired of nuance. "None of that matters."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSK3pcuAyQ
She looked up at him sharply.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTfZDTvhNg
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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQEIv4pKuC
Christina's jaw tightened, but she kept walking.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVRUHuTjOk
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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzivoGrX49e
Thomas didn't reply.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutKD1TzbPf
He didn't have to.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzZArGjpER
---24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg5AOJDF8F
As they reached the edge of the ballroom, Thomas adjusted his cuff and leaned in, his voice low and clipped.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPHelHo8H6
"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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjb0gaw2wU
Christina didn't hesitate.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ466qSJJAyP
"Home," she said, already turning. "I've played the part tonight. I'd rather not repeat my lines."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EK26B22q1
Thomas raised a brow but said nothing more.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZVdIjL0Av
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeAAncIcCZ
---24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciYqbLcyV8
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEgMM3Kp2x
"You know this is for your good, Christina."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpm8TZUdib
She didn't look at him.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W7XnGLQpi
"You don't want to end up an old maid," he continued. "Benedict Amherst is well connected, tasteful, wealthy—"24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4DLzSevib
"Ambitious," she supplied, still watching the window.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOGfMy1tv2
"You could do far worse. He's interested in you, and if you marry him, the Hale name will be set for decades."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIbWNEqYu8
She turned then. Slowly. Calmly.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmiGay2VZq
"No. You would be."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogOtgRWTbk
Thomas blinked.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9fzyW6VT2
Christina's voice didn't rise. It didn't need to.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXrm1au1id
"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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3zmgw1trB
Her gloves were in her lap now, neatly folded.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bdngLrKpx
"Who I marry elevates you. Every handshake, every investment—every child I produce will carry your legacy. Not mine."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHcDkTD49q
Thomas shifted uncomfortably, suddenly unsure of the upholstery.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nOC14tUAu
"So," she said, still quiet, "the next time you parade me through a ballroom and call it charity, try saying thank you instead."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ISkWgWDy2
He opened his mouth.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqSuCkvq9Z
She didn't let him speak.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtlUoGR1jM
"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."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmTrLmTg4j
The rest of the ride passed in silence.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUakD9PERv
And as they reached the glowing drive of the Hale estate, Christina smiled faintly.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTlf5e5or0
"I'll do my part," she murmured, stepping down. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm a Hale, after all."24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3NuM8qKlB
---24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8p9zWPUfG
The Hale estate slept.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtjA6jD0NV
Its windows dimmed one by one, shutters closed against the moonlight. The hallways hushed, the servants' footsteps stilled. Somewhere, a candelabra guttered into silence.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcWyFMSuID
And Christina Hale slipped out the kitchen door with a ribbon-wrapped parcel and purpose in her step.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWz0X0wJlY
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjvyFrp9mN
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ9x1Pusoo
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweURLbiOkF
She slipped the parcel onto the table and unwrapped it: a velvet-bound notebook, ribbon-tied ink, and the latest letters she'd collected.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXVdjPNnp2
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU7of72aHx
Dear Miss Ginny,24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWy8Zv2Zwq
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrpmCT4X8B
To whom it may concern,24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1sghRKt7K
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCifne2uJB
But her fingers didn't move.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuBPamRcYp
What you're about to do, she thought, they'd call treason.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFXnDk5DDL
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnW43WziPpD
And she was a Hale.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6DNmEQd1l
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKp9OJgtKm
But what if this was loyalty? Not to a crown. Not to a name.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYkBGBiiF0
To a life. To a girl she'd never met. To someone being hunted for secrets—and the silence that would let it happen.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1zbrroYZE
What if someone's daughter was about to die because everyone else stayed quiet?24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShi3IADUq4
Her hand moved.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydPBfZAD8e
She slid the two sheets into the stack.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk8Rae04sj
And just before pulling the impression lever, she whispered aloud, as if the press might understand:24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT1su6jCyJ
"This isn't disloyalty. This is witnessing."
---
She returned just before dawn.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2MAIhF0cr
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69qy969SrI
Upstairs, her room was unchanged—lace curtains, soft woolen quilt, a porcelain brush untouched since dusk.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwv0poKANY
She washed her hands in a basin too cold to calm her.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmZIfnxWzw
The ink didn't fully lift.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJRPfStO5m
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.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9B0go2GHL
Instead, it felt like waiting.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYLWqrBTPk
What if they find the column? What if someone sees beneath the name "Ginny"?24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxwLCUG0jm
She turned onto her side, tucking the blankets around her ribs. Her throat ached. Her breath wouldn't settle.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLmzr8MtPO
She loved her family.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmir4dL7dKk
But she had done the right thing.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SwBAQjTfD
Hadn't she?24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2VUMBxQOM
She closed her eyes, but the question curled into the dark with her, quiet and sharp as ink on the inside of a glove.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FtgPrOqcJ
Who are you becoming, Christina Hale?24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUe5KUdbas
And deeper still—24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLlrvhT2fP
Can you ever become someone else... and still be a Hale at all?24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEPcnyIA7i
