It didn't take long for Qrir to guide the Adjudicator to the top floor, where the queen's throne room was already wide open, awaiting their arrival.
Next to the throne, standing at attention, though, was someone who shouldn't have been present.
Seeing Akkes stand there so confidently, Qrir instantly knew something was off.
"What are you doing here, Akkes? Your duties are not by the queen's side. Return to your post this moment," Qrir ordered.
"I don't answer to you, commander. I answer to the queen, and the queen only, unlike you," Akkes replied, looking at him defiantly.
"You know the price or insubordination, you vulture. Should I kill you now, or wait till the Tamarain is gone, to save you the humiliation?"
"Enough," the queen interjected.
"Sergeant Akkes is to stay present during this meeting, as experience to become the next commander. You do not get to shoo him away, Commander Qrir."
