I didn't realize it at first, that was the problem.
If it had been obvious, I would have adjusted earlier. Stepped back, corrected something, done what I had been doing before, play along just enough to keep things smooth.
But this wasn't obvious. It slipped in quietly.
Small things. Easy to ignore if I hadn't started paying attention.
It began in the study.
Eli had brought me there after midday, informing me that the Duke wanted me present for "review." That was the word he used. Neutral. Meaningless on its own.
I expected documents or discussion, maybe.
What I didn't expect was how little of either actually involved me.
Darius was already there when I entered, seated behind the desk with several papers spread before him. He didn't look up immediately, which wasn't unusual. What was unusual was that he didn't dismiss me either.
Usually, I was either required or ignored.
This was neither.
