"I see..." The little girl let out a slow breath, trying to calm the pounding in her chest. "Then we need to keep playing our roles until she gets here. No unnecessary risks. No sudden moves. We can't let anyone suspect what's happening."
She leaned back in her chair, the light of the room casting shadows over her face. Then, after a few moments of thought, she looked again at the maid. "And our troops? Are they in position?"
The bot maid straightened and placed the cleaning cloth down on a nearby tray. "Yes, Little Mistress. All units have taken their pre-assigned positions. The sentries are rotating on schedule, the automated defense systems are primed, and the underground reserves are ready for deployment if needed."
The little girl gave a slow, approving nod. Despite her childlike appearance, there was something old and cold behind her eyes, something that had been forced to grow far too quickly.
