The change showed itself before anyone said a word.
It was in the way they addressed me when I stepped into the corridor, in the way their attention settled more carefully, more deliberately. No one hesitated, but no one was careless either. The shift was quiet, but it was there.
"My lord."
I acknowledged it with a slight nod and continued walking without slowing down. Eliot kept his usual position beside me, close enough to respond, far enough to avoid intrusion.
"Send word to the steward," I said. "I want the household records brought to the east room. Everything. Not summaries."
"It will be done," Eliot replied.
We reached the east room shortly after. The space had already been cleared by the time I entered, the table prepared, chairs arranged properly, windows adjusted to let in enough light without exposing the room fully. It was efficient, but not excessive.
I took my seat and waited.
