But the mission was not over.
'Her throat is coated in processed sugar,' Kaelus's paranoia dictated. 'If I allow her to sleep without proper hydration, the sugar will adhere to her vocal cords, causing a scratchy throat upon waking. Hydration is mandatory.'
Kaelus looked around the table. He found a small, crystal pitcher of cool, sweetened milk that the bakers had provided.
He didn't wake her up. That would be cruel. He had to execute a stealth hydration maneuver.
Kaelus picked up a small silver cup, pouring a tiny amount of milk into it. He gently supported the back of her head with his left hand, cradling her sleeping form against his chest. With his right hand, he brought the rim of the silver cup to her lips.
He didn't pour it. He channeled a delicate thread of his mana, using his magic to gently, safely guide a tiny sip of the cool milk past her lips, allowing her natural swallowing reflex to take over without any risk of aspiration.
