In the study, she found evidence confirming her suspicion. Papers were slightly out of order. Books had been moved and replaced incorrectly. Someone had gone through everything, probably looking for intelligence on her Port Crestfall operations.
They wouldn't have found much. Elara had taken all critical documents with her when she left. But the attempt itself was informative.
Someone—probably one of her sisters—had used her absence to search her residence. Standard succession battle tactics. Know your enemy's business, find weaknesses, exploit them.
She'd have done the same in their position.
Elara returned to the main hall where her knights were already working. Three of them were removing dust covers and opening windows. The fox knight stood guard at the entrance.
"How long to make this fully operational?" she asked.
"Two days minimum, Your Highness. We'll need to hire cleaning staff, restock supplies, verify all security measures."
