At some point during the negotiations, Antonia’s folded her arms. No glass of herbal water offered to her; she’s the help, which means she’s looming in the background and very much present, but still irrelevant. Who cares if the hired hands are properly hydrated.

When Vaclav turns to look at her, however, then her chin moves slightly, making sure her mouth is angled toward the necklace dangling in the neck of her shirt (in actuality: the crystal on a chain). He’s given the signal, which means she needs to give the signal.

“Mermaid’s Tit,” she says, loud enough to be heard over the crystals; the codeword for Clarisse. “It’ll wait for milady Helena until the deal’s wrapped.”