"Fine," Heena said, her voice clipped. "It was my order. But from now on, remember—if you knock and I don't answer, 'stay outside'."
They all looked at Larus's back and nodded.
Larus, who had now straightened his clothes as much as possible, didn't move from the chair. He just sat there facing the wall where a beautiful landscape painting hung, clearly trying to become invisible.
Kieran spoke up, his tone carefully controlled but with an edge underneath:
"Your Majesty, we have an important meeting to conduct."
"So what?" Heena replied flatly. "I'm not running away. I'm standing right in front of you. Start the meeting."
Kieran stopped, his jaw tightening. He looked at Heena and then very deliberately at Larus's back.
"Your Majesty," he said with forced politeness, "this is a confidential meeting regarding state security and military matters. I would respectfully request that you send Prince Larus out."
Heena raised one eyebrow.
