----
It was not accidental. Not spoken. Just a small point of contact to remind herself he was there and that the night had not split them apart after all. He did not look at her for it, but he let his hand brush the back of her wrist briefly in answer before lowering it again.
That was enough for now.
The main hall they used for the internal war council was not the grand reception chamber. It was one of the deeper meeting rooms, large enough to hold command, small enough to keep the wrong ears out.
By the time Sekhmet entered, Elena had already set the room in motion through the speed only houses with trained maids could achieve. Lamps had been adjusted. The larger table was cleared. Seats arranged. Water and tea prepared. Doors sealed. A pair of maids took outer positions in the corridor. No one would wander in by accident tonight.
Mira arrived first. Of course she did.
