Duke Romian processed that. It matched his own observation. When Elara had proposed marriage, she'd been completely clinical about it. No nervousness, no hope, no fear of rejection. Just practical assessment.
"What about the beast knights?" he asked.
"That's the interesting part." Marcus pulled out another page. "She treats them better than most nobles treat human servants. Fair wages, actual respect, real authority. She promoted several to command positions and gave them operational autonomy."
"Unusual."
"Very. Most nobles view beast knights as property. She views them as... employees. Assets to be maintained and utilized effectively." Marcus looked up. "Your Grace, if I may speak freely?"
"You may."
"Princess Elara is nothing like the reports from before she left the capital. The Fourth Princess was described as weak, withdrawn, ineffectual. This woman is building a commercial empire, destroying political enemies, and running intelligence operations. Something changed."
