Six months.

That was the deadline handed to her by her mother.

Six months to build a stable, visible relationship or she throws her backing to Helena's competitor, who was polling significantly better.

Helena had almost cracked that day. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she leveled her mother with a look that would have sent lesser individuals fleeing from the room.

Unstable. Aggressive.

Those were the words her mother had used. Two words that Helena had never been. Not once. Cold, calculating, sure, she could take that. But, unstable? Please, the idea was laughable.

Her mother told her a partner was a necessity. It showed unity and strength. Family values.

Like that made a good leader.

But, the alternative was having her own mother throw her support to the only person running against Helena. Who, annoyingly, was doing better in the polls.

Taryn didn't return with a short list like Helena expected. No, instead, she walked into Helena's office the next day with a raised eyebrow and a single name.

Like it was obvious.

Like Helena hadn't been deliberately avoiding her since last spring.

"She's your best bet," she'd said. "Knows you. Likeable, clean history. And... easy on the eyes."

Helena hated how much she agreed.

**

Taryn arranged the meeting. A private room in an upscale restaurant near the center of Redbridge. Quiet, dimly lit. The ideal spot for a first date. Or, rather, a business proposal.

The contract was in a folder in Helena’s purse.

Helena wore a suit, of course. Deep burgundy jacket and pants, a white button down underneath and simple black heels. Gold earrings and a gold watch added as accents. She was the picture of a dignified politician.

Her deep brown eyes flicked to the windowed wall as she saw her. She noticed the things she always did. The way she walked, the way her coat hung on her shoulders, that slight tilt of her head...

Helena stood as the door opened, silencing the train of thought. "Good evening," she said as she rounded the small table to pull out the chair for the other woman. "You're... looking well," she commented. She didn't say 'You're here. I didn't think you'd actually show up.'

Helena stepped back to her side of the table and sat, steepling her fingers as she did. "I won't waste either of our time. I'm sure you've already guessed why I asked to meet with you." Her voice had taken on the edge she used when speaking to particularly challenging opponents.

She pressed her lips together for a moment before continuing. "My staff—my mother—has given me a deadline. Six months to find a suitable partner, or she puts her weight behind my opposition. Taryn suggested you. I didn't object." She let the silence sit for a minute, let the implications settle.

"My offer is simple: In public, we will be a couple. Move in, when the time comes. Eventually, if optics demand, a public marriage. Privately, you retain your autonomy. Your independence and necessities covered by me." Helena watched her for any sort of reaction. "I will handle opponents, logistics, expenses. Your only job will be to play the doting companion for the cameras."

Helena let out a small sigh, letting her hands come to a rest on the table between them as she leaned forward. "I won't pretend this isn't unorthodox. It's complicated." The lines around her mouth softened. "But, if anyone can make it look like unity, you can."

She leaned back again, fingers steepled under her chin once more. "Thoughts?"