"I understand," Aelira managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You will understand better now." Velkynara pointed at each of them. "I have assigned each of you duties for my absence. Real duties. The kind that leave no time for tea and gossip and petty fights." She held out the scroll in her other hand.
Nymera stepped forward and took it with trembling fingers.
"That is the schedule. Morning reports. Inventory of the eastern stores. Rotating oversights of the servant quarters. You will follow everything on that scroll. You all will be diligent and useful while I'm gone."
They all bowed their heads.
"Maelis, you are in charge here," Velkynara said.
Their heads snapped up at the same time. Maelis was the most confused. It was unexpected.
"You don't want to?" Velkynara asked.
"I feel honored by your generosity, Your Highness." Maelis bowed.
