The morning light filtered through the stained glass windows of Elysia's private study, casting jewel-toned patterns across the polished stone floor. Lyra and Sorrel stood before their mother, their postures rigid after a night without rest. Kiran remained a step behind them, her face carefully neutral as she awaited her queen's response.
Elysia set down the report with deliberate slowness, her fingers lingering on the parchment. "Nothing," she said, the word hanging in the air like an accusation. "You found absolutely nothing."
"The aqueduct was secure," Lyra confirmed, maintaining her composure despite the disappointment evident in her mother's tone. "No signs of tampering, no evidence of intrusion. The water tested pure."
Elysia's gaze sharpened. "And this urgent intelligence that prompted such a hasty midnight expedition—did your agent offer any explanation for their error?"
Sorrel's eyes flicked briefly to Lyra, a silent question passing between them.
