[ Even though Yennefer backs up a few steps to explain, Ciri doesn't interrupt her. She listens, sipping at her wine without really paying any attention to it, soaking in the information. The situation in Thorne is only a vague picture in her mind, clear enough that she understands who the main players are, though their individual goals and squabbles matter little to her. The more they push pawns around internally, the less time they'll have to focus on things that might actually affect her out here. Ciri doesn't think it's irrelevant, of course; the pressure is building, and one of these powder kegs will blow sooner or later. But she doesn't have any loyalty to the kings and countries of this world (or any other, frankly, not after she'd watched her home burn). Minimizing damage for everyone's sake is a worthy goal. It is incidental, alongside her only real goal of keeping her family safe and together, and eventually bringing them home.

She will let Yennefer deal with royals and mages. It is what Yennefer does. ]

I already told you. It isn't the mistake I'm interested in. It's what comes out of it.

[ Ciri sets her cup down with a metallic clink against the wood. ]

Does the Queen herself confide in you now? Or will she keep testing because that is what people like her do?

[ She leans forward on her elbows, intent on Yennefer's face. ]

You're pushing her toward something. Simple reconnaissance isn't your style.

[ It's not a question; they both know it's true, even though Ciri doesn't know what, exactly, Yennefer is trying to get out of the Queen of Thorne. She wishes, somehow, Yennefer hadn't involved herself with the highest power in that country, but it's a stupid wish she wouldn't dare say aloud. Ciri wasn't surprised when Geralt told her. She isn't surprised now. She just needs Yennefer not to lose sight of what's important. For all their sakes. ]

What has the price Geralt paid bought you?