I drew in a slow breath.
"What do you mean."
The kneeling man opened his mouth—
"Your Highness."
The voice cut cleanly through the moment.
I turned sharply as Cassian approached from the path, Maribel walking at his side. Cassian bowed quickly, expression tight with urgency, while Maribel offered me a knowing look before dipping her head.
Elias's irritation was immediate and unmistakable.
"What is it," he asked, tone clipped.
Cassian straightened. "It concerns the preparations, Your Highness. There is an issue that requires your direct attention."
Elias exhaled through his nose. "Can this wait."
Cassian hesitated. "It would be… unwise."
I stepped forward before Elias could say anything else. "Elias."
He turned to me at once.
"You can go," I said calmly.
His brows drew together. "No. This can wait."
I smiled, small but certain. "You have postponed your duties far too long already. This is more important than my issue."
He studied my face, searching for hesitation.
