She gestured, and shadow guards emerged once again—silent specters with cold eyes. "Escort Count Valerius to a holding chamber. Comfortable accommodations, of course. We wouldn't want him to feel... 'persecuted'."
As the guards flanked him, Valerius's composure finally shattered. "You can't do this! I have rights! Allies!"
Heena picked up her quill again, already turning back to her documents. "Then they're welcome to join you. Next."
The door slammed shut. The secretary he'd brought stood frozen, scrolls still clutched to his chest, looking like he wanted to sink into the floor.
Heena glanced at him. "You. What's your name?"
The young man squeaked. "T-Tobias, Your Majesty."
"Tobias. Those scrolls—are they Count Valerius's financial records?"
"Y-yes, Your Majesty."
"Leave them. You're dismissed."
Tobias practically threw the scrolls onto the desk and fled.
