"Princess Elara." Her voice was soft. Almost gentle. That made it worse somehow. "Sit."
There was no second chair.
Elara remained standing. "My Lady. You summoned me."
"I did." The First Consort studied her with those unsettling eyes. "You're leaving soon. Port Crestfall. Taking your entire household. All twenty-five beast knights. Very ambitious for someone who couldn't walk two weeks ago."
It wasn't a question. Just observation delivered like a scalpel.
"The preservation magic requires on-site supervision," Elara said carefully. "The merchants—"
"The merchants are convenient cover." The First Consort waved a hand. "Don't insult me with the performance you give the Emperor. I know why you're leaving. Someone tried to kill you. You're running."
Elara's jaw tightened. "Strategic withdrawal."
"Call it what you like." The First Consort stood. She was tall—taller than Elara by several inches, and the resemblance to Eleana became even more pronounced. "You're the first one."
