Seeds and Scrolls

"Explain," said Li. A crease lined his brows. This first harvest, he had kept an incredibly close eye on the grain to see whether it had any harmful effects. Though he doubted this, because the duchess would immediately know he would give them a visit, and it seemed she actively tried to prevent provoking him at absolutely all costs. 

In that regard, Li did acknowledge the duchess. She had spent decades in absolute power, presumably also used to holding the strongest military force in the entirety of her duchy. That kind of power usually went to people's heads, made them more reckless, more prideful. But she kept an unassailable cool, never once attempting to challenge or step on Li's toes. 

Li highly doubted the duchess would have given him probable cause to confront her with these seeds. It was far too obvious and heavy-handed. 

Iona picked apart one golden seed from the tiny pile and held it to her eye. Her brown pupils widened as she cocked her head.