Elara was seated at her grand desk. She was not sweating. She was not panicking. She was calmly sipping a cup of warm, unseasoned water while reviewing a standard infantry deployment map.
"Good morning, Prince Consort," Elara stated, her glass-bead eyes briefly flicking up to register his new attire. "Your sleep cycle was extended by three point four hours. Your aesthetic output is highly elevated today."
"Good morning, Elara," Julian replied smoothly, walking across the room and casually leaning his hip against the edge of her polished oak desk. He crossed his arms, letting the silver threads of his suit catch the morning light. "I slept exceptionally well. Financial devastation is surprisingly exhausting."
Elara took a slow sip of her water. "Indeed. Minister Demerti visited my office earlier. His cardiovascular output indicated he had sprinted from the lower vaults."
