"You came from a hole?" Ajab asked. What he had heard sounded both disturbing and deeply concerning.
"Uh…" Znoh turned to meet the gaze of concern and doubt fixed on him by His Highness — and the far less forgiving one from Elmah, whose expression clearly said, No surprises there.
"It's just a figure of speech," he managed.
The stares did not soften. If anything, they sharpened. Elmah's in particular carried the unmistakable look of someone who had once been warned to avoid an uncle with upstairs complications.
Znoh exhaled softly. "I should return to my post, Your Highness."
"Already?" Ajab's tone carried the faintest disappointment. "I was hoping the General might stay a while."
Znoh turned fully this time. "Your Highness… wanted me around?"
Ajab shrugged. "Of course. How else would your friendship blossom?"
Both Znoh and Elmah raised their brows in perfect, synchronized confusion.
"Your Highness mentioned friend," Znoh said carefully. "Which friend would that be?"
