Unlike their subordinates, who had all been assisted or carried away, the top dogs of the Sacred Guard were still sprawled on the ground, looking for all the world like abandoned strays.
Skadi, in particular, had the expression of a dog left out in the rain, her ears drooping as she rested her chin on the grass. Aisha was stiff, her arms crossed tightly, but her fingers were twitching in a way that suggested she was barely holding onto her dignity. And Julie, merely smiled as if she'd expected this outcome.
Cassius tilted his head, lips curving into a knowing smirk. "Well, well. Now why exactly have the three of you been left behind like forgotten baggage?"
Julie, still sitting gracefully despite her injuries, met his gaze. "There weren't enough maids to go around." She admitted easily. "So I told them to prioritize helping the rest of the knights instead."
Cassius raised a brow, clearly entertained. "And that's why you've been completely abandoned like this?"
