The words "We caught the murderer this morning" barely had time to settle before Lara sat back with an exaggerated exhale and reached for her unfinished croissant.
"Well, fantastic," she said, voice half-sarcastic, half-sincere. "Justice is served, breakfast is served, and with the assassin caught, I can finally get the hell out of here."
She stood. A fork clattered somewhere.
Serisa didn't move though her eyes flicked up, cautious.
"I'll pack my things," Lara continued, already making a beeline toward the polished double doors of the dining hall.
"Send your regards to Malvoria, tell her I survived diplomacy and demonhood alike, and that next time she wants me to babysit political sparkles she can go kiss—"
"You're not leaving," said the Queen.
Lara froze mid-stride.
She turned slowly, like a predator trying to confirm if she just heard another animal growl.
"Pardon?"
