"It changes nothing." Aldrich forced steel into his voice. "Even if she were alive, she has no claim. The Rite of Twin Ascension was never completed. She's unfinished blood. Illegitimate."
"Technically." Seraphine's smile cold. "But the common people don't care about technicalities. They care about stories. And the story of the lost princess returning to reclaim her throne? That's a powerful story, Your Majesty. More powerful than legal arguments about incomplete rituals."
She was right. Gods damn her. She was right.
"What does your father want?" Aldrich asked.
"Consolidation. Before the wedding." Seraphine began to circle him. Movements predatory. "He wants assurances that the military is under control. That the rebellion is being suppressed. That Valorian won't invade the moment we'r
