April 18, 1124th,
A day later…
The morning sun filtered through the pale curtains of Jacinta's estate, where the central room had been converted into a modest meeting hall. A mahogany table stood between the princess and her guests. Flanked by Edina on one side and two trusted aides—Judith and Judea—on the other, Jacinta waited.
At exactly the ninth hour, George Fletcher entered. Behind him, a younger man no older than twenty followed cautiously, his satchel clutched tightly. His hair was tied into a simple ponytail, and his brown eyes held both wariness and curiosity.
Jacinta rose. "Welcome, Mr. Fletcher."
George bowed. "As promised, Your Highness- I mean Lady Cita. This is Carlos—my younger cousin. He's the one who helps with the documents and numbers."
Carlos put his right fist on his chest and bowed, awkwardly. "I-It's an honor, Princess Jacinta."
"Just call me Lady Cita, when we are alone together."
