Men and women in uniform moved briskly, voices low, papers exchanged, boots thudding on the floor. Not a single one paused to acknowledge her. No greetings, no bows. It was as if she were invisible.
And Rick, looming behind her, made no effort to correct them.
Nnenna's lips curved in the faintest smile. Interesting.
After a quick sweep of the room, she turned sharply to face Rick. Her eyes were steady, her tone firm.
"Gather everyone involved in the investigation. Ten minutes. It's almost nine o'clock. Anyone who misses this meeting can meet me in the dining hall at lunch. And I take, no excuses."
She let the last two words fall like stones, each syllable carrying weight.
Rick's brows furrowed. Dissatisfaction flickered across his face, but not alarm. They already had their "functional plan," and he was banking on it.
"Your Highness," he began cautiously, "protocol demands that you—"
"No excuses."
