Prisoners of Their Own Device

[Auro Syrdash]

Auro sat on the couch and spun a coaster on the little table in front of them. He carefully set his glass down in the center of it. He certainly did not want to cause a diplomatic incident by ruining a piece of palace furniture.

After listening attentively to all that Unna told him, Auro acknowledged her with a single nod when she had finished speaking and looked her in the eye. "That's what I'm here to do also, sister. I know your heart is in the right place and you're attempting to keep things civil, but the forces initially meant to protect Lady Baku are badly depleted. Maya is still recovering, and we're all that's left. It's dangerous to spread our squad any thinner than it already is by leaving me behind with Ashla." Auro shook his head.

"No, Lady Baku can speak with Biggs Saar when he arrives at the palace tomorrow morning. Trust me, I'll gladly welcome a reassignment. However, I've already spoken with Master Chun regarding my place here and regardless of who doesn't approve, my orders stand: I'm to remain here and carry out my mission. That means Lady Baku will either have to deal with my presence at her function or contact Master Chun herself to have me officially relieved of duty. That's her call. Until then, she's stuck with me," he concluded with a heavy sigh.