Liam hated that tone.
It usually meant someone had brought him politics and expected him not to throw a wrench.
Rex looked toward Stanford, who stood near the reinforced doors with calm, dreadful attention.
"Arik already knows part of it," Rex said.
Liam's fingers stilled.
"Part of what?"
Rex's mouth twisted. "George is planning to announce that the owl brooches will be removed."
The platform went quiet.
Even Mara stopped typing.
Liam turned fully. "What?"
"As a gift," Rex said, voice flat now. "For the engagement between Agaron and Wrohan."
For several seconds, the only sound was the Vanguard roaring beneath them.
Then Liam laughed.
Mara muttered, "Oh no."
Rex looked at him. "That is not comforting."
"It was not meant to be."
Stanford's expression had not changed, but his comm was already in his hand.
Liam looked toward him. "Do not."
Stanford inclined his head. "Too late."
