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Though she hadn’t thought it possible, his scowl grew even more harsh, more deeply carved into the features of his face.

“That makes no sense. You cannot fool me, Mirilla. There was no witnessing of the birth, it has not occurred yet.”

“The youngling has been born. Have you not seen the birth announcement?” she asked. “Surely you received it personally due to your position.”

“Did you receive it personally?” he demanded.

“I did. It was waiting for me along with all my other communications when I returned home this morning.”

Mir’ Ahn clenched his jaws as he leaned into her once more before finally stepping back. “See that you do not humiliate me with your carelessly unprofessional behavior.”

Mirilla sighed, then darted past him and toward Jof Ta who was speaking to a table of warriors. “Jof Ta!”

“Ah, Mirilla, there you are,” Jof Ta said, pleasantly. “I’d wondered what you’d been called away to oversee this morning, but then we received the birth announcement and realized you were caught up with the joyous occasion.”

“I was, yes, though rather indirectly. Tell me, is there anyone who didn’t receive clear instruction this morning as their shift started? Is there anyone I should seek out? Anyone who was feeling poorly that I should arrange another to perform their duties, anything at all that escaped my attentions due to my absence?”

“There were a few that had questions, but the instructions you left for the majority answered those questions, I believe. At the very least, the small number with questions simply went along with the usual staff and I haven’t seen any of them since. I assume there are no problems. I’m not aware of anyone being ill.”

“Oh, thank goodness!” Mirilla exclaimed. “I didn’t mean to miss morning meal. I just got caught up and didn’t realize the time.”

“It’s fine, Mirilla. I think the one missing you most was our Sovereigna.”

“Did she come down for breakfast?”

“No, she merely sent a servant to inquire about you.”

“What reply was delivered to her?” Mirilla asked.

“Just that you made arrangements for all your responsibilities much earlier than any of us had begun our day and that all was addressed.”

Mirilla released some of the tension in her shoulders. “Good. Thank you for that.”

“Relax, Mirilla. Everyone has things not go according to expectations sometimes.”

“I don’t. I’m so very careful about all I do and all that depend on me, that it has never happened to me before.”

“You can’t help that your duties took longer than you thought.”

Mirilla sighed. “I’ll try to remember that. Thank you, Jof Ta. I’m going to make a plate for Sovereigna and perhaps one for our Sovereign, too, and take it to them.”

“They’re still in medical, along with those who waited with the Sire and Sirena last night. I sent food over this morning.”

“You are wonderful, Jof Ta. Thank you again. If anyone has any issue, please let them know that I am on duty as I should be for the remainder of the day.”

“I will.”

~~~

Mir’ Ahn yanked open the heavy steel exterior door to the building housing the military Administrative Offices next to the barracks so hard he almost pulled it off its hinges. As the door ricocheted off the exterior wall before slamming heavily closed, he stalked inside, cursing and grumbling under his breath. Approaching the announcement kiosk in the entranceway, he couldn’t help but notice the dozen or so warriors gathered there, smiling and talking animatedly as they read a bit of news on the screen.

“Do you not have something you should be doing?!” he demanded.

“We’re off duty, Steward Mir’ Ahn,” one of them responded, still wearing a smile.

“Then gather elsewhere!” he spat, glaring at them as he approached.

The warriors quickly dispersed, realizing it would not be beneficial at all to disobey the Steward at this particular point in time.

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