"Messier than court rumors suggest, I'm sure."
"It's wonderful," she said simply. Lantern light danced across her face, highlighting a genuine tenderness that caught him off guard. She passed a workbench where four chimera ant workers—each crimson-scaled with graphite mandibles—arranged shimmering crystals by size. When she drew near, they froze mid-task, antennae quivering.
Serelith blinked. "They're… adorable." One tiny worker attempted a salute with both forelegs, only to drop a crystal chunk on its own foot. It chirped indignantly. She giggled, kneeling to set the gem back on the tray. "I didn't know your research assistants were so industrious."
Mikhailis rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish. "They handle cataloging and basic tool maintenance. Elowen okayed their presence under strict secrecy."
She rose, brushing imaginary dust from her gown. "I wonder what else is happening inside that clever head of yours, Mikhailis. I'm very interested."
