I closed the distance between me and Callian, but only just enough to be heard clearly.
Not close-close.
Not touching close.
There was a very intentional bubble around me that screamed do not cross unless you want holy consequences.
"Callian," I said, tilting my head slightly, voice calm but edged. "Will you be generous enough to lead me to Callestine's study room?"
Then I looked down at the kid in my arms and tightened my hold a little. Subtle. Protective. Final.
"And mind you," I added, eyes flicking back up to the emperor, "I plan to sit in."
That was not a request.
Callestine stiffened against me, clearly used to adults deciding things over his head. The kind of stillness that didn't belong to children. I hated that immediately.
Callian paused for half a second. Just half. But I saw it. The calculation. The weighing of power, optics, consequences.
Then he smiled, that composed imperial smile that probably made nations kneel.
