Phoebe's POV
Elder Augustus seemed stunned by my question. I watched him struggle to find the right words, so I showed him another note.
*If my presence won't help, should I order you to go instead? You seem more likable than me.*
"It's... my role is here, in the palace, so I..." Elder Augustus fumbled for words, but everything sounded like excuses rather than real answers. "If you want to send someone, you should..."
Elder Tricia must have seen this coming from a mile away because he cut him off quickly.
"You don't get a say in this, Augustus," Tricia snarled at him. "Your job is to advise the king and queen, not dictate what she'll do."
Elder Augustus raised his eyebrows and smirked at him. "But looks like that's exactly what you just did, Tricia."
His gaze then locked onto me. "Your presence won't help—it'll only weaken the kingdom. I don't mean to offend you, my queen, but that's the truth."
