The Weight of Loyalty
Leon relaxed back, golden eyes sweeping over them all, and a slow smile curving his mouth.
"Well," he said with a lightness, his voice carrying with effortless authority, "now tell me—what has transpired in my absence?"
The words dropped into the air like a stone into still water.
The advisors and officers looked at each other. There was silence. They stalled, not knowing who would break it first, the force of their Lord's stare weighing upon them.
Leon did not push them. He rested one elbow on the table, fingers tapping idly on the wood. His face was serene, inscrutable, but his eyes sparkled with a subtle keenness that reminded them of the hunter beneath that easy smile.
Then, finally, Captain Black cleared his throat. His voice was firm, but underneath was the control of a man not wanting to leave out one detail.
