By dawn, she had something that might work.
If nothing went wrong.
If the assassins didn't get lucky.
If the Emperor didn't summon her early.
If, if, if.
Too many variables. Too many points of failure.
But it was the best plan she could construct with the resources and time available.
Lisa knocked and entered with morning tea. She saw Elara still at the desk, still wearing yesterday's clothes, surrounded by papers covered in notes and calculations.
"Your Highness, did you sleep at all?"
"No."
"You need to—"
"I need to finish this," Elara interrupted, not looking up. "Sleep is inefficient right now."
Lisa set down the tea with more force than necessary. "Your Highness, you collapsed twice last month from overwork. Your body can't—"
"My body will last eight more weeks," Elara said calmly. "That's all I need it to do."
"And after that?"
"After that, I'll sleep." She finally looked up. "But right now, every hour I waste resting is an hour I don't have to make this work."
