Elias instructed the ASSR officers to search the perimeter for the victim the assassin took the ticket from. He returned to the booth and slumped into his seat. To think it was Liam Scott who tried to kill the Prime Minister. Elias couldn't bear to look at Arwen. The skills Scott used to execute his plan were grilled into him by Elias during his time as a Soldier Dragon. The man was exceptionally effective and unquestionably problematic.

Elias murmured, "What do we do about Scott?"

"Give him to Maks."

"No! He will die."

"We do not need more information. The cleaning has almost finished."

"I've heard! Maks is on a murderous rampage, ignoring rights and due process at the slightest chance he can circumvent the guilt in a court of law! He's unhinged."

"Exactly. The boy has had enough pent up anxiety over the weeks and this recent attempt on my life may drive him hysterical. You know how he becomes when he's not at my side."

Elias calmed his shaking knee, "Maks is worried about your safety, Arwen, we all are."

"I can take care of myself."

"The weakest are strongest when they are weak. How do you think humans surpassed dragons?" Elias retorted in a voice of steel.

Arwen scraped pieces of cracked golden scales from his cheek. "That was a narrow miss," he admitted, crushing them into fine powder.

"Yes. It was, which is why the ASSR will provide you a permanent guard."

Arwen swiveled in his seat to Elias. "You did what! Without consulting me?"

Elias ignored him. They had been far too lax. The Prime Minister is the leader of the country. Their safety should be the utmost priority. Elias was shocked as to why he and the entire country didn't realize this before. Prime Ministers of the past were all Mordecais or had governed during times when Arseny knew peace. But what of future leaders? They will need protection. Better to establish a service now and begin the training process.

"Elias!" Arwen stated.

"No more late night 'excursions' until you retire."

"This is your grand plot? I prefer a military coup."

Elias ignored him.

Arwen snarled at his friend. He focused on the show.

The opera ended with a magnificent flourish. The audience clapped their bravos to the performers, but it was to Arwen who they gave their loudest encore for when he stood, he stood to thunderous applause. The Prime Minister gave a brief wave and left.