The moment I stepped into the east wing, I knew something was off.
It wasn't obvious at first glance. The passage remained orderly, the attendants moved as they always did, and nothing appeared out of place.
And yet there was a hesitation in the rhythm, a slight delay in movement that did not belong here.
I kept walking.
Two attendants stood near the archway ahead, speaking in low voices. The moment they noticed me, they straightened, stepping back at once.
"My lord."
I didn't slow as I reach them. "Continue," I said, but their hesitation was enough to make me stop.
The silence stretched just long enough to confirm it.
"What were you discussing," I asked.
One of them glanced at the other before answering. "We were reviewing the new allocation for the inner chambers."
New allocation, that was not something that changed without direction.
"Who approved it."
The question landed cleanly, and the first attendant lowered her gaze. The second answered.
"Lady Evelyne, my lord."
