For a moment, no one in the council chamber moved.
Then recognition spread around the table.
Chairs scraped against the floor as the nobles rose. Several stared at Arthur as though they feared he might disappear if they looked away. Only minutes earlier, they had been arguing over whether he would arrive in time. Now he stood before them.
One of the older nobles hurried around the table.
"Sir Arthur, we have been waiting for you. The situation has become—"
"I do not have time for a council discussion."
Arthur cut him off without slowing. His eyes settled on Erica.
"Come with me."
She stood immediately.
There were questions she wanted to ask, reports he needed to hear, and decisions awaiting his attention. But she knew where he wanted to go first.
Erica stepped away from her chair.
"We will resume this meeting shortly."
Then she followed Arthur out of the chamber.
Behind them, the nobles exchanged uncertain looks.
None attempted to stop them.
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