"But three days without any communication," Seraphina pressed, her composure cracking. "Your subordinates were worried. The military needed orders. Trade negotiations stalled—"
"All concerns that could wait a week," Damien interjected, his smile never wavering. "Or are you suggesting, Lady Seraphina, that the empire cannot function for a week without us? That would be rather arrogant to assume."
Nervous laughter rippled through the chamber.
Heena watched Seraphina's face carefully. The saint was trying to reconcile what she was seeing with what she knew must have happened. Her system was probably screaming warnings, telling her this wasn't right, wasn't possible.
But here they stood—five healthy, composed men, publicly confirming everything Heena had claimed.
"Gentlemen," Heena said warmly, "I'm pleased you could join us, though I know this interrupts your spiritual work. The council had concerns about your wellbeing. I trust you can address those concerns directly?"
