One younger, hot-headed commander could not prevent himself from asking, "And what if we are provoked first by their scouts, Your Majesty?"
Cassian answered with icy calm. "Defend yourselves with full force. But do not pursue them past the boundary line."
The young commander bowed immediately. "Yes, Your Majesty!"
Just as the meeting was wrapping up...
A high-ranking palace guard entered the hall, bowing swiftly. "Your Majesty."
Cassian turned his sharp gaze toward the door. "What is it?"
"Head Gardener Edwin has formally requested immediate permission to replace several uneven, damaged stone paving slabs in the eastern courtyard walk," the guard reported.
General Darius blinked in sheer bewilderment, staring at the guard. "...He is interrupting a top-level military war council for garden paving stones? Now?"
The guard nodded awkwardly, lowering his head. "The gardeners are deeply worried that Lady Lin might trip while taking her morning walk."
