Calyra, as far as Ruvian knew, was not one to circle a subject. She was the sort who spoke with intention and expected the same candor in return.
When she asked a question, she preferred it answered plainly.
Ruvian composed himself and took his seat.
"You said you wished to ask me something."
"What is it?"
"First, I owe you an apology for summoning you back under the authority of my rank," Calyra replied. Her face remained perfectly neutral. "I arranged this because I required a private conversation with you."
Ruvian cast a slight glance toward Silvena.
She answered with a small lift of both shoulders, an easy, unbothered shrug that seemed to say, 'Eh, pay me no mind, you guys should continue.'
Seeing her mischievous smile, Ruvian felt the faint urge to frown, but this time he let it pass.
Taking the cue, Ruvian dismissed the distraction and turned his attention once more to the porcelain-doll-like woman before him.
