There was a moment where Maria was starting to lose her cool and turn uneasy, feeling like she has lost control of the situation. However, the moment Eponine defended her Maria once again felt relaxed and reassured. She definitely needed to consult the recent turn of events with her once the rogue left, not only to secure her loyalty, but also to clear her own feelings on the matter. Though she had planned for this to happen, having it actually happen is a completely different thing, and something she also needed to cope with.

[quote=@Krauxis]
"Cooperation really is something, huh?" Chloe remarked casually, as though she was coming across some kind of revelation. Ever terrible at reading a room, she was back to her usual casual demeanor. "My name... your knight's got the priveledge of that info already... but it's Chloe. Chloe Hartmann." She scratched her head lightly with a huge steel finger. "Dunno if maybe you're overstating my accomplishments there, but whatever floats your boat. Good to be working with you. I look forward to the day you try to bump me off. Might just be the best day of my life, heh." Just a little gallows humor as she stood staring past such a dangerous situation. "I hope we can get along until then. Though I guess maybe that's just in the definition."
[/quote]

Feeling like the situation was in her grasp again, Maria returned back to her cheery self, like her previous episode was just a dream. For a moment, she thought of rewarding Chloe with a chance to leave the city once she has become queen, but knew that it would be pointless, and there was nothing she could do to avert their eventual confrontation. She smiled.

"Chloe Hartmann...let's do our best together." She then turned around on her wheelchair, not wanting to see her face for a moment longer. "You may now leave," she said, and made a call to confirm that order to the guards at the gate outside.