Camilla looked at the offered hand for a brief second. She did not take it at once. Instead she inclined her head in a measured, almost regal gesture.
"Camilla."
Only after that slight pause did she rise and accept the handshake. Her grip was cool and precise, lasting only as long as courtesy required before she released it and returned to her seat with the same unhurried composure.
Sacha withdrew her hand, the lingering sense of that faint suppression still brushing against her instincts like a soft pressure behind the eyes. She glanced at Stan again, searching his face for any further explanation, but he only gave her a mild, reassuring look and gestured toward the couch.
"Sit down, Sis. You came all this way. Want something to drink?"
Sacha hesitated a moment longer, then nodded and took a seat on the opposite side of the living room, keeping a careful distance from Camilla without making the choice obvious.
