Captain Vex's expression hardened. "The news is contained, Your Grace. Only those in this room, Sir Ken, and her personal attendant know the full situation. The general staff believe she's suffering from magical exhaustion. No one suspects poison."
"Keep it that way," Demerti ordered, his tone brooking no argument. "I want absolute information control. Anyone who speaks of this outside approved channels will be executed for treason. I don't care about rank or service record. 'No one' leaks this."
"Understood, Your Grace."
Demerti turned back to the physician. "The suppressant you gave her earlier. Did it help at all?"
Master Cullens hesitated. "Marginally. Her temperature dropped by half a degree. Her pulse steadied slightly. But the cognitive symptoms persist, and the fever is already climbing again. Without knowing the exact compound, all I can do is treat symptoms and hope her body fights it off naturally."
"How long will that take?"
