"After I finish escorting Lyra, I'll be traveling to Caeloria. The King has a dispute with Krogar that needs to be resolved, and I agreed to handle it. I'll be gone at least six months."
Octavia's expression shifted to concern. "Six months is a long time, brother. Are you certain..."
"I'm certain," Jack said. "The trip to Lyra's shrine is two weeks. The Caeloria situation will take longer, but it's necessary. Political capital with the King, strengthening our family's position, ensuring the Empire remembers that the Kaisers are assets, and most importantly, Rhys."
"Mother won't be happy about you being gone that long."
"Mother is never happy when any of us takes risks," Jack replied with a slight smile. "But she'll understand the strategic value. And Father would approve."
He left the study before Octavia could raise further objections, moving through corridors toward the gardens where Seraphina had said his mother was working.
