r believed in li

tions contained, moments acknowledged and released. That was how one s

aving the lecture hall,

ssion and ceremonial protocol. She answered when addressed, listened when r

held neither reverence nor defiance, only certainty. The way her

settl

stone and glass that echoed softly even when nearly empty. She liked it at t

ment for Contemporary Political Philosophy. The question was deceptively simpl

tared at

abstract concept to her. It was

but the words came slower than usual. Every sentence felt t

uggl

was calm

a look

out of her formal blazer into a softer coat, the severity of her earlier appearance eas

rary was closed to facult

replied. "But I tr

ia said before she

flicker of something unreadable

he chair opposite

of the space she occupied. "I saw you'd checked out several texts on political

Aurelia glanced at the ti

ia said. "But n

ust be justified publicly to be valid,"

ms unavoidable,"

"That's usually a sign you're

denly aware of everything. The steady rhythm of her own breathing. The faint scent of

ndid with me," Aurel

. "I treat my students as

"Even when those studen

y then," E

, thick but not

now," she said slowly, "most peop

head. "And does t

lia admitte

ugh to suggest empathy without indulgence. "Powe

und the edge of the table. "You

eplied. "Just not

es locke

the crown. Forgot the academy. Forgot the wei

the woman in

he first to

y, rising. "Before this conver

ood as wel

t long enough to be

ing Aurelia a composed nod.

ight, D

mained standing, her heart beati

ded again once

ing else h

ted it wouldn't be