[Lavinia's POV — Emperor's Office—Continuation]
Papa finally released me from his embrace, though his hand lingered on my shoulder as if reluctant to let go. His gaze was still sharp, searching, like he could see through my skin to the ache buried in my chest.
"Now," he said, his voice steady, slipping back into that commanding tone. "Why have you come to me? Did something happen?"
I forced myself to breathe, to push Osric's pained face from my mind. Not now. I had to keep moving forward.
"I came to speak of the dam," I said, laying the parchments carefully onto Papa's desk, smoothing the edges with deliberate calm.
He furrowed his brows. "The dam?"
I nodded. "Yes. The villagers have requested repairs. It's only a faint crack for now, but with the rainy season approaching… if the heavens open with a heavy downpour, the whole structure could burst. And if that happens, Papa—an entire village will drown."
