“Tomorrow they will see the reason an army follows you.”
Marcus’s words returned when Evelyn entered the great hall. The court did not see loyalty. It saw weapons surrendered at the doors, Vesper officers seated beneath public scrutiny, and Captain Elias Ward brought forward in chains.
Nobles filled the left side of the chamber.
Military representatives occupied the right. Servants crowded the rear benches, close enough to hear every word for once. Albert sat above the central floor beneath Greyhaven’s standard.
Celeste sat beside him. The silver circlet remained on her head, though the authority it represented had already been reduced. Marcus stood with the Blackcoast delegation.
Lucian watched from Ravencrest’s section with open anticipation. His gaze found Evelyn and held too long.
