After the war room finally adjourned—after the maps were rolled, the wards debated, the favors carefully not promised—I didn't even bother returning to my chambers.
I turned instead, already walking. "Team," I said, tone light but final. "We're going sightseeing."
They knew that voice. Coffi stopped mid-sip. Latte blinked. Henry straightened. Joff wiped his hands on his coat like trouble had just been personally invited. Raya and Chubby perked up in tandem, sensing mischief before I even finished the thought.
"The Mage Tower," I added.
Prince Segundo, who had lingered near the war room doors as if weighing something heavy in his chest, lifted his gaze. There was hesitation there—royal, practiced, but real. "…I should come with you," he said.
I paused and looked at him. Not as a guest. Not as an ally. As a man who had lost a brother and was trying not to show how badly it hurt.
"You should," I agreed. "They'll behave better if you do."
