_Nathan’s POV_
Elias called before the staffed meeting had even been finalized on the calendar.
I was in the corridor outside the athletic office when his name filled the screen, and the timing alone told me he already knew about the conditions.
“Nathan,” he said. “Explain the message you sent regarding process integrity.”
“The previous continuity contact was held in an irregular private room. Future contact should remain in staffed conference space with a third party present.”
“Should,” Elias repeated, as if the word itself offended him. “You are converting discomfort into procedure.”
“I am converting risk into procedure.”
A pause, cold and precise. “You will not turn formal cooperation into a negotiation exercise every time King Rowan requests continuity. I accepted a staffed sett
