Iliana had sent word to speak with the woman that Scout Kane had mentioned to her. While it hadn’t been announced publicly, it was not a secret either. Which was her purpose for calling forth the woman.

Her guards announced the arrival of the woman and would wave them to allow her in. Two guards outside her office, October Montgomery and another just within the door. Her guards always sworn to secrecy. Only the most loyal to her were left within the room. “Lady Cahaya Sinaga.” She didn’t rise from her desk but gestured to the seat opposite her desk. “I am doing much better, thank you.” She gave a small smile as she studied the woman. “I am not sure if Lady Kane has had an opportunity to speak to you yet?”

”That is fine,” she gave a small, unalarming smile. “Then I will be the one to set the expectations,” she gave a small nod. “Lady Kane has been offered and accepted the position of my Advisor of Law. Which leaves me currently out a Steward. Lady Kane offered to help as much as she can between this transition but has offered your name as someone would could assist her during this time.”

Green eyes danced between Cahaya’s gaze. “I know you have been serving as a palace secretary and wanted to ensure that if you were to accept assisting in this time, that you would be able to balance your work or secure someone to help in your role while your focus is temporarily on something else.”

Iliana hadn’t quite been ready for a question instead of an answer. Interesting. “A Steward is to help manage the relationship between the ruling royals and the people.” She reached for a small container on the side of her desk, small enough to fit in her palm and flicked it open to pull out a small peppermint leaf to chew on.

“So it depends on the day, the demands. But usually it’s going to public gatherings to hear and listen, to support what is known to be true when questioned, to bring back concerns so we may address them. Sometimes the Steward must help set up events or gathers or addresses called.”

There was a pause, one that had her almost speak up to take back the offer. Iliana didn’t need someone who was going to collapse under the weight. Before she might have been willing to convince someone into a position, but not anymore.

Yet she answered in favor. She’d help Scout until a resolution was found. “Lady Sinaga, if you find the load too heavy at any point, let us know.”