Calculated Silence
The correction in his tone was subtle but deliberate — not rushed, not emotional. Every instruction carried weight.
The warden straightened instinctively. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will personally oversee it."
Leon's gaze lingered a moment longer, measuring the man's resolve.
"See that you do," he replied evenly. "I don't want oversight. I want execution."
The warden nodded again, this time more firmly. "It will be done."
Behind Leon, one of the brothers shifted, clearly unsettled. "Near your estate?" he asked cautiously. "That is… unexpected generosity."
Leon didn't turn around immediately. When he did, his expression was calm — unreadable.
"It is not generosity," he said. "It is positioning."
The meaning settled between them.
The warden hesitated only a fraction of a second.
Leon said, "And treat them with respect."
There was no force behind the command — only expectation. The kind that assumed obedience as natural.
The warden straightened instinctively.
