Milan's jaw tightened. Sarojina's eyes narrowed, the skin around them creasing with sharp attention. Malyani's fingers pressed into Milan's arm.
"Now?" Andrion said, brows furrowed. "It's past midnight. Why would —"
"Andrion." Sarojina's voice was soft. Final.
Andrion closed his mouth.
Milan turned to Jolthar. Their eyes met, and in the space between them passed the wordless conversation of two men who had lived before — who knew what power looked like when it wore silk instead of armor, who understood that a midnight summons from an empress was never just a summons.
"You don't have to go," Milan said.
Jolthar held his gaze for a beat. Then he looked at the maid.
"Where?"
"The Lotus Pavilion, my lord. I will escort you."
Jolthar turned back to Milan. "Go to the mansion. I'll come find you."
