Rex let out a long breath after George's corpse was removed and allowed himself to fall into the chair at the head of the table.
For a moment, he simply stared at the polished mahogany, at the place where his father's body had been, and at the faint trace the attendants had failed to erase before leaving the room with pale faces and an order to remove the table for good after the royals left.
Mezos stood near the door, one hand resting loosely over the communicator at his wrist.
Eight years older than both Rex and Arik, with the calm, he had the unreadable posture of a man who had spent too many years standing between dangerous people and worse decisions while looking mildly displeased by the disorder left behind.
"Lower holding has confirmed Ray Canmore's isolation," he said. "No visitors. No outgoing channels. No private legal access until reviewed by the crown."
Rex turned his head slowly. "Good morning to you too, Mezos."
