She meant no harm when she made that crucial mistake, whether she knew it or not.

꩜ ‧.°. 𖦹.°.‧ ꩜‧.°.𖦹 .°.‧

The temperature in the room dropped exactly at the moment when Raymond Reddington places a glass of wine in front of her with a soft ringing. The ruby hue of the liquid seems unnaturally thick in the warm candelabra light.

"A toast to my health?" A smile with the corners of his lips doesn't match his eyes.

She knows that look. That's how he glares at people in seconds before they are deceased.

"With pleasure." Her fingers wrap around the crystal glass without flinching. Smells of almonds. Its amygdalin, an old-school poison, useful but not instantaneous. Giving enough time to show remorse... or prove betrayal.

"You're not asking why?" Raymond leans closer, studying her pupils.

"You always have your reason." She takes a sip, feeling the heat spreading down her throat. "But if I die, it would be a loss.. Of someone to remind you that even kings have weaknesses."

Carefully inspecting her expression, Reddington narrows his eyes slightly.

"You're either very loyal or you know that I have an antidote."

Her lips curl into a knowing smile as she takes another sip. Both bitter and sweet, it burns already.

"Or maybe I just know you better than you think. You wouldn't be poisoning me for real.. Not today, at least." She banters. Raymond breaks into a grin.

"Maybe not. But one can not be sure about tomorrow."

She counts minutes till growing dizziness, painful seizures, and paralysis.