Valerie fell silent.
Demian always informed her if he was going to be occupied. Even on the most tense days, he usually made time to see her if only briefly. This time, he had not.
Valerie clasped her hands together, trying to read the situation.
"How long has it been?" she asked again.
"It has just begun," Sera said. "But from his expression… it doesn't look like an ordinary meeting."
Valerie nodded faintly.
She returned to her seat, but her thoughts were already racing through countless possibilities.
The Emperor.
The capital.
The rumors.
And… Ivanka Kosler.
Sera hesitated before speaking again. "My lady, would you like—"
"No," Valerie answered quickly, though her voice remained gentle. "I won't disturb him."
Sera nodded, though she was clearly not entirely convinced.
Valerie stared into the small fire in the hearth, its flames flickering softly. In her mind, Ivanka's voice echoed again cold, assured, laden with threats left deliberately unspoken.
