KIERAN
I stare at the duty roster on my desk, my jaw clenched so tight it aches. Cassius has requested the afternoon off. Again. The third time this week.
"To escort Princess Seraphina through the eastern gardens," Thane reads from the formal request, his tone carefully neutral. "He believes the fresh air would be beneficial for her adjustment to Winterhold."
My quill snaps in half.
Thane doesn't react to the broken wood in my fist, just continues standing at attention like he doesn't notice I'm about to lose my mind.
"Deny it." I throw the ruined quill aside. "Tell Cassius I need him for the afternoon supply meeting."
"Your Majesty, the supply meeting isn't until next week—"
"Move it up." I pull out a fresh piece of parchment. "Today. Two o'clock. Mandatory attendance for all senio
