elia had regain

gh her suite. Routine was comfort. Routine was control. She dressed carefully, selecting a neutral

, no one would questio

ined in the same art of appearing untouched. Aurelia listened more than she spoke. She always did. Yet he

d the tho

rning. Aurelia arrived early, taking her usual seat. She a

, Aurelia did not

t command. Elara wore a lighter blazer today, pale gray, sleeves rolled just enough to soften the a

library linger

voice even. "Today we'll be discussing

's pen

ecifically, the choices leaders make not to a

as discipline, as sacrifice. She cited philosophers who argued that desire must alwa

tension coiling sl

oom. Thoughtful questions. Polished responses.

said suddenly, ey

aught but not startl

ed," Elara replied. "

collective attention, the unspoken expe

ing who it benefits. Leaders are expected to sacrifice desire, but ra

ppled throu

ghtfully. "And who shou

the cost," Aur

ickered across Elara's face, approval, p

ent," Elara said. "

lass with a brief nod, turning immediately to gathe

er heart beating just a li

ood. Necessary. Boundaries

leave, Elara's voice

ess Au

the title f

Aurelia

ce. "Your perspective today was... incisiv

ze steadily. "I'm

A pause. "Still, I'd advise ca

es weight," Aurel

between them felt deliberat

Then I trust you'll

ng the end of the exchang

the sting of something like disappo

oom, Elara w

losed did she allow

en long before desire, long before temptation, long before a prin

ntended to

w difficult