Garcia' POV
Uncle Patton's voice cuts through the tension in the throne room like a blade through silk. "We will break for lunch. Everyone can head to the dining hall."
He strides toward the King's chamber, his measured steps echoing against the marble floors.
"Does he realize he never actually dismissed the formal session?" Audrey's voice floats through the mind-link, and I catch Uncle Patton's quiet chuckle as Collin pulls the heavy door shut behind us.
I'm certain Uncle Patton knows exactly what he's doing. He wants a peaceful meal without listening to anyone trash-talk Audrey behind her back.
"I refuse to preside over a murder trial, Audrey," Uncle Patton states flatly. "Someone's going to end up dead if they badmouth you within Chaim's earshot. Plus, I don't need them scheming through their mind-links about how to eliminate you."
