With a start, Ross realized that Ros was nervous. It was rare that his steadfast wife would be so shaken - but this was also so unlike anything they'd ever expected from their lives. Ross had never anticipated his being Department Head, let alone a member of the Wizengamot, let alone Minister. Roslyn Fisk never signed up for this.

He took a few steps forward to take his wife's hand. "We're going to send letters to the families, and especially Kons," Ross said quietly, "I'll start working on my speeches after breakfast. Miss Darrow will, I think, know what to say to Idris."

"It's going to be hectic, but we can handle it, Ros," Ross said. He smiled softly, the corners of his eyes crinkling up with it.

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