The southern coast expedition departed Academy grounds at dawn, carefully timed for when Riya would be occupied with Council business. Riyan had executed his permission request with calculated precision the previous evening—entering his mother's office during her post-dinner relaxation period when her guard was lowest.
"Mother," Riyan had said, placing formal expedition request documentation on her desk while simultaneously preparing tea service. "Week-long advanced training expedition to southern coast. Three hunters accompanying for security. Medical clearance confirmed. Departure tomorrow morning."
Riya had looked up from her paperwork, her blue eyes immediately suspicious. "Southern coast? That's unusually remote location for training expedition during recovery period—"
Riyan had moved around desk before she could complete objection, wrapping her in embrace that was both genuine affection and calculated distraction. "Thank you for understanding. This means a lot to me."
