Elias shut the royal study's door and set his territorial portfolio beside the wine King Atheron kept near the window. The curtains held the capital's public business outside while Atheron stood looking south with the goblet loose in his hand.
"The charter is claimed, Your Majesty," Elias reported, holding out the departure report clear of the goblet, "the carriage left through the southern gate, no request for extra regiments, and no further petition against the treasury."
He turned the goblet slowly between his fingers, and a pleased hum rumbled in his chest.
"Of course not, the lad knows exactly what marches in with royal soldiers," he chuckled, setting the cup within reach of the report.
"Eyes in his camp, ears under his table, and every captain suddenly devoted to writing letters home."
"Or he believes his own party sufficient," Elias said, unfolding the provincial survey and keeping its corners clear of the cup.
