"Nothing," Elara said, and took a bite of egg. Warm. Salty. Exactly the right temperature. Her body reacted with an almost greedy relief she noted but didn't dwell on.
"The work can wait, Your Highness," Mira ventured, voice careful. "The Duke said your health is the priority. He won't be angry if you… take longer."
"He'll be worried if I delay too long," Elara corrected. "Worry leads to unnecessary interventions. Interventions complicate variables." She swallowed, wiped her fingers, and picked up a slice of toast. "We compromise. Limited work. Clear boundaries."
The System floated closer until it was partially overlapping her field of view, arms still crossed. "Define 'limited,' Host. Use small, honest numbers."
"Three hours," Elara repeated. "Broken into two blocks with rest between. Cullens will be here for at least half an hour; that's built-in delay. After Demorti, I'll return here, not to the study."
