Azrayel did not return to his chambers until Metheea was gone.
He remained outside while Kalistra covered her properly and Yise carried out his order to move her into one of the secured chambers beneath the palace. Michael protested at first, arguing that the underground level had been built for emergencies and mana containment, not illness, but Azrayel refused to reconsider.
The walls below were reinforced. The wards were stronger, and there was only one controlled entrance from the royal wing. Yise could place men at every point between the private staircase and the final chamber without drawing attention from the rest of the palace.
More importantly, there would be three floors of stone between them.
Azrayel waited until Yise returned and confirmed that Metheea had been secured below before entering his own chambers again.
Her scent still filled the room.
He stopped just inside the door.
