[Lavinia's POV—Imperial Palace—Emperor's Office—Later]
I gathered the ledgers into a neat—well, somewhat neat—pile, patting the last one down with a triumphant sigh. "Alright… let's not waste any more time, Sera."
I tapped the stack like it was a weapon I was about to brandish in battle. "We're taking this straight to Papa."
Sera nodded dutifully, though her lips twitched like she was suppressing a smile. "Yes, Your Highness."
As I swept out of the office, I called, "Marshi, Solena—let's go!"
Marshi padded along behind me, yawning so wide his fangs gleamed in the light. His thick tail swished lazily against the polished floor, as if he were half-asleep already. Solena, on the other hand, fluttered down from her perch and landed gracefully on my shoulder, wings brushing against my cheek like a silken fan.
I nudged her feathery side with a finger. "And why, little lady, did you abandon your so-called favorite master and come here?"
