Buries her head in her hands. "I don't have the money."

Isabella set the folder down on the table, her fingers lightly tracing its edge as she collected her thoughts. The amount listed was astronomical, enough to make even the wealthiest Montesoran families flinch.

She buried her head in her hands. "I don't have the money. Not nearly enough."

Her uncle sighed, shoulders slumped. He knelt down before her, placing his hand on her knee, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on her skin.

"That was what I was afraid of. I will keep contacting the delegates, of course, do what I can. But...I must admit without the bribes, its an uphill battle."

He rose, taking a seat beside her again. He pulled a cigarette out from a small tin box in his pocket, lighting it and taking a long drag. Isabella watched the smoke swirl in the air as her uncle contemplated quietly.

"The sums required aren’t just given as cash—they’re leverage. Promises, favors, connections." He finally spoke. "Guarantees of power and influence. They want to know they will be protected."

Isabella frowned, unsure where this was leading.

"Your father did not have to hand out money to buy votes, not when he had a military backing him, enforcing his rule. If you have the soldiers, you don’t need to pay. So why don't you do the same, Bella?"

Isabella considered the implications of his words. She knew, of course, the history of her father's rise to power, the brutal methods used by the secret police and the military. Even now, the threat of a coup or **** was never far from her mind. But was she willing to embrace those methods herself?

Isabella rose to her feet, smoothing her dress.

"Thank you for your counsel today, Uncle. I'm sorry for wasting your efforts, but it seems my time is better spent elsewhere, so I must take my leave. Will you be joining me at the funeral?"

"Don't be sorry, Bella, you will always have my loyalty. And of course I will be there." he said, bowing his head. "Good luck, and stay safe."

Gain [Lost the Vote]