Leverage

"Remember, when it comes to talking, less is more."

The closer we got to the camp when just a few days ago I'd waged a battle against the mercenaries, the harder it was for me to speak up. 

Sure, the princess' group was still too far away to hear anything I said with a voice low enough… But judging how great Madam's eyesight was to spot the details of what happened at Etaria's tent, it would be foolish for me to assume the princess's eyes were any worse. 

And so, while she likely wouldn't be able to hear what I whispered, I had to turn my head and shield my mouth from her line of sight to speak.

An action that by no means would look good in Etaria's eyes, for what kind of proper negotiation was it supposed to be if I had to pass instructions to my people until the very last moment?

This lack of professionalism only betrayed my lack of proper trust in my companions.