Her eyes scanned over the letter for the third time. Its words were not surprising and...not as disappointing as she had expected them to feel. She felt embarrassed for having placed herself in this situation, of course, but she was largely at peace with it. After all...

Arthur's arrival interrupted her thoughts, though she could not tell from his expression whether or not his efforts had been successful. Frankly, Desdemona would have been incredibly surprised if he wasn't on the team—after all, Fitzroy Prewett had been among those making the decision!

"Well?" she asked with a brightness that was perhaps a little forced. "Will I be cheering you on in the World Cup?"

Her question answered the one he hadn't voiced aloud.